Marion Police Chief Richard Nighelli is announcing that the Marion Police Department is launching an enhanced traffic enforcement effort to counter the recent rise in speeding and reckless driving throughout town.
Starting June 22 and over the next four weeks, Marion Police will have additional officers patrolling the town’s roadways, enforcing local speed limits and cracking down on distracted driving.
“Speeding and reckless driving are serious public-safety concerns,” Chief Nighelli said. “Not only does speeding endanger the life of the driver and any passengers in their vehicle but also anyone else on or near the roadway, including cyclists and pedestrians.”
Complaints to the Select Board and Police Department about speeding throughout town are on the rise. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding was a contributing factor in 29% of serious crashes in 2022.
“Drivers need to safely share the road with everyone, including cyclists and pedestrians,” Select Board Chairman Norm Hills said.
In addition to officers cracking down on speeding and other infractions during their normal shifts, Chief Nighelli will be adding additional patrols specifically for traffic enforcement over the next four weeks.
During roadside stops, officers will provide as much safe-driving education as possible to the operator. In most cases, the stops will be resolved with a verbal or written warning, or possibly with a civil citation.
“Whether the driver is a resident of Marion, or just driving through town, everyone needs to obey our driving rules and operate their vehicles safely,” Chief Nighelli said. “We all have a part to play in making our roads safe for everyone.
“In addition, I’d like to thank our officers for keeping Marion a safe place to live and visit.”
The Marion Police Department is encouraging all drivers to remember the following safe driving tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:
Obey the speed limit. Speeding is a major cause of crashes. Don’t feel pressured to speed to keep up with traffic or friends on the road. Speeding tickets can be pricey and will result in an increase on your car insurance premium.
Don’t text and drive. The average text takes your eyes off the road for five seconds or the length of a football field while traveling at 55 mph.
If you can, keep your phone off while behind the wheel. This will help to ensure the driver’s focus remains solely on the road. Engaging in tasks like reaching for your phone, dialing and texting increases the risk of crashing threefold.
Be a defensive driver. Always remain cognizant of traffic ahead, behind and next to your vehicle at all times. Stay at least one car length behind the car in front of you, especially in areas where the speed limit is slower. Remember to split the road with cyclists, even if shared lanes are not marked. Turn your headlights on to increase visibility.
For additional driving safety tips, visit nhtsa.gov.
In addition, NHTSA offers some walking safety tips for pedestrians:
Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.
Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available.
If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right.
If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic.
Wait for a gap in traffic that allows enough time to cross safely; continue watching for traffic as you cross.
Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways, or backing up in parking lots.
Avoid alcohol and drugs when walking; they impair your abilities and your judgment.