campaigns like this are vital,” said Mr. Goodman. “They remind us that every time we get behind the wheel, we have a responsibility to drive safely. The risks of aggressive driving are too great to ignore, and we must all do our part to make the roads safer.” Chris Cyr, CEO of Team O’Neil Rally School, emphasized the importance of context for safe driving. “There is a time and place for high-speed driving and risky maneuvers, and that’s on a closed track, not on public roads,” said Cyr. “At Team O’Neil, we teach drivers how to handle their vehicles safely in controlled environments. By preparing drivers through training and education you make them aware of the risks involved and how to avoid accidents through their driving and decision making.” Daniel Bennett, president of the New Hampshire Auto Dealers Association, highlighted the motor vehicle industry’s role in promoting road safety. “The New Hampshire Auto Dealers Association is committed to safe roads in New Hampshire,” said Bennett. “Safe driving is about responsibility and respect for all road users. Together, we hope to inspire positive changes in driving habits that will benefit everyone on the road. Unsafe speeds and driving are also an employment issue: If a driver is uninsurable, they may also be unemployable in our industry, which has workforce needs.” Traci Beaurivage, president of the New Hampshire Motorcyclists’ Rights Organization, emphasized the need for heightened awareness and cooperation on the roads. “Reckless driving affects us all, but motorcyclists often bear the brunt of these dangerous behaviors,” said Beaurivage. “Respect on the road starts with each one of us. By driving safely, and avoiding reckless speeds and aggressive behaviors, we can help reduce accidents and ensure that everyone gets home safely.” Across the entire state in 2023, data from the New Hampshire Department of Safety’s Division of Motor Vehicles showed 116 people were given tickets for driving 100‑109 mph, while another 10 people were ticketed for driving 110‑120 mph. State officials also shared recent statistics on driver behavior on Interstate 95 and Interstate 93, where aircraft patrols are commonly deployed: • In 2015, state police made 5,018 stops — 359 for driving 90-plus miles per hour and 23 for driving 100-plus mph. • In 2020, they made 5,025 stops — 900 for 90-plus, 81 for 100-plus. • In 2023, they made 3,115 stops — 840 for 90-plus, 89 for 100-plus. The percentage of excessive-speed drivers among those who were stopped on the two interstates has increased significantly over the years. In 2015, that percentage was 7.6%. In 2020, it was 19.5%. In 2023, it was 29.8%. The press conference underscored the message that reckless driving behaviors, such as speeding, not only jeopardize the safety of all road users but also have significant financial repercussions. Attendees were reminded that safe driving is a collective effort that benefits everyone. To view a video of the press conference, scan the QR code. Follow our campaign on social media using the hashtag #DriveSafeNH to learn more about how you can contribute to making New Hampshire’s roads safer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fepjlC6Fkxo The New Hampshire Insurance Department Can Help The New Hampshire Insurance Department’s mission is to promote and protect the public good by ensuring the existence of a safe and competitive insurance marketplace through the development and enforcement of the insurance laws of the state of New Hampshire. Contact them with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your insurance coverage at (800) 852-3416 or (603) 271-2261, or by email at consumerservices@ins.nh.gov. For more information, visit www.nh.gov/insurance. About the New Hampshire Department of Safety The Department of Safety has more than 2,200 full‑time, part-time, non-classified and seasonal employees functioning in both uniformed and civilian capacities throughout the state, and regularly partners with local, state and federal agencies to protect the lives of all New Hampshire residents and visitors. The Department of Safety is tasked with enforcing criminal, motor vehicle and boating laws, and providing for fire safety, fire and emergency medical training, emergency communications and disaster planning. To contact the Department of Safety, call (603) 271-2791, or email nhdos@dos.nh.gov. For more information, visit dos.nh.gov. 21
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