CHESTERFIELD, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) – The Chesterfield Police Department conducted a high visibility speed enforcement patrol on Route 9 early Monday morning, resulting in 31 vehicle stops. Of these, 14 drivers received citations primarily for speeding, and one individual was issued a court summons for operating after suspension.

The purpose of the patrol was also to prevent violations such as excessive speeding, illegal passing and reckless driving. Acting Chief Lance Rouse stated that the initiative was in direct response to a series of three severe accidents on Route 9 this month, including one that resulted in two fatalities.

“In light of the increased number of accidents, we want to take an aggressive stance on this,” he said.

In related news, on Thursday, July 25, officials from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and law enforcement representatives from New England will gather in Seabrook, N.H., to discuss a forthcoming speed enforcement initiative. This effort, which begins on Friday, July 26, aims to address speeding across the East Coast.

The New Hampshire Office of Highway Safety (NHOHS) has also issued a call for drivers to reconsider their driving habits following nine crashes in four days that resulted in ten fatalities.

“What’s happening on our roads is alarming and has resulted in tragic consequences,” said Assistant Commissioner Eddie Edwards of the New Hampshire Department of Safety in a news release earlier this month. He stressed that many of these accidents could have been prevented through better decision-making and urged compliance with speed limits, attentive driving, and avoiding impaired driving.

From July 12 to July 15, fatal crashes occurred in Concord, Belmont, Alton, Center Conway, Loudon, Jaffrey, Gilford, and Hampton Falls. The incidents are under investigation by various law enforcement agencies.

To combat dangerous driving behaviors, the NHOHS is continually organizing and funding additional enforcement patrols throughout the state. The New Hampshire State Police has also ramped up enforcement efforts on major interstates and highways.

“Let’s work together to make our roads safer for everyone,” said State Police Colonel Mark B. Hall. “The New Hampshire State Police will continue to enforce the laws of the road, but we need everyone’s help in obeying those laws, and we encourage all drivers to do their part.”

As of July 15, 64 lives have been lost in 59 crashes on New Hampshire roads since the start of 2024, marking a 10 percent increase in crash deaths compared to the same period last year.