Department of Safety Thanks Motoring Public and Partners

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 31, 2019
Michael Todd, Strategic Communications Administrator
Cell: 603-892-8196

CONCORD, N.H. – The NH Office of Highway Safety (OHS) and State Police thank the motoring public and their public and private partners for helping to reduce traffic-related fatalities by more than 30 percent in 2019. As of December 31, there have been 99 traffic-related fatalities and 88 fatal crashes. At this same time last year, there were 143 traffic-related fatalities and 130 fatal crashes. Both traffic-related fatalities and fatal crashes are down by more than 30 percent.

“Good choices behind the wheel increase your chances of making it home safely to your loved ones,” OHS Commander William Haynes said. “Our first priority is public safety on our state highways and local roads. Good driver behavior has helped reduce traffic-related fatalities, and we thank the motoring public and our public and private partners for their dedication to keeping New Hampshire’s roads and highways safe. It is essential that we continue to work together into 2020 to address dangerous behavior and promote safe driving. We wish everyone a safe, happy and prosperous New Year.”

“The reduction in fatalities is a result of good decisions by the public and a close partnership with private partners and our local, state and federal partners who have been central to coordinated enforcement efforts throughout the State,” State Police Colonel Christopher Wagner said. “One death is too many. We still have a lot of work to do and will continue to work closely together in fulfilling our mission in keeping New Hampshire’s roadways safe and reducing traffic-related fatalities throughout 2020. Tonight and every night, it is very important to continue making good decisions behind the wheel.”

Impaired driving, speeding and distraction continue to be the top contributing factors to crashes and fatalities in the Granite State.

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