BEDFORD — The Bedford Police Department urges motorists to slow down, pay attention, and obey traffic laws in the wake of several recent motor vehicle crashes that have resulted in injuries during the past few months.
In response to the recent increase in crashes and to help ensure safe roadways for all drivers, the Bedford Police Department will be increasing its motor vehicle and traffic violation enforcement throughout town to reduce the risk of crashes and injury.
Additionally, the Bedford Police Department wishes to provide safety tips on distracted driving, impaired driving, and excessive speed, all of which are common contributing factors in motor vehicle crashes:
- Never text, or use your phone while driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2019 alone there were over 3,142 deaths as a result of distracted driving. The NHTSA reports that the average text takes your eyes off the road for five seconds. While traveling at 55 mph, that’s enough time to cover the length of a football field blindfolded.
- Never drive if you have been drinking or are under the influence of drugs. According to the NHTSA, 10,142 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes in 2019, accounting for nearly one-third of traffic crash fatalities. On average, more than 10,000 people were killed each year from 2015 to 2019 — one person was killed in a drunk-driving crash every 52 minutes in 2019.
- Follow the speed limit. According to the NHTSA, speeding has been involved in approximately one-third of all motor vehicle fatalities for more than two decades. In 2019, speeding was a contributing factor in 26% of all traffic fatalities, killing 9,478, or more than 25 people per day on average.
- Be a defensive driver. Remain cognizant of the traffic ahead, behind, and next to you at all times. Remain vigilant while driving and watch out for other drivers who may be under the influence. If you see a driver who may be impaired, find a place to safely pull over and call 911.
“The safety of our community is our utmost concern, and we urge residents to follow all the rules of the road. By providing these tips, we hope to inspire residents to slow down and pay attention so that injuries and tragedies resulting from crashes can be prevented,” Chief Bongiorno said.
For more information about driving safety, please visit the NHTSA’s website here.
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