CONCORD, N.H. — Recently, members of the New Hampshire Office of Highway Safety were joined by Gov. Kelly Ayotte, state and local law enforcement representatives, and other traffic safety advocates to discuss distracted driving on roads across the state and announced new initiatives to combat troubling trends.
“We have seen far too many crashes on our roads due to distracted driving — these are completely preventable. This month, we are stepping up enforcement to discourage drivers from using their cell phones and other distractions while on the roads,” said Gov. Ayotte. “I thank the Office of Highway Safety and AAA for their efforts to call attention to the dangers of distracted driving and all of our law enforcement who are helping to keep our roadways safe. My message to all Granite Staters is this: Put your phone down, pay attention and drive safe.”
From 2021-2024, 22 people were killed in 20 crashes that were attributed to distraction and/or inattention on New Hampshire roads, according to data from the New Hampshire Department of Safety’s Division of Motor Vehicles. Recently, Gov. Ayotte announced the creation of a new Highway Safety Task Force to help address issues causing crashes on state roadways, including distracted driving.
Throughout April, which is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the New Hampshire Office of Highway Safety (NHOHS) is funding and organizing multiple educational and enforcement campaigns. In partnership with AAA Northern New England, a newly created distracted driving PSA will begin airing on broadcast television stations and on social media channels. Additional paid media campaigns will be rolled out later in the weeks ahead. Law enforcement officers from state, county, and local agencies throughout New Hampshire are also assigning specific patrols to find and cite drivers who are distracted behind the wheel. The efforts are funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) through grants issued by the NHOHS.
“A moment of distraction can lead to a lifetime of regret,” said New Hampshire State Police Lt. Christopher Storm. “We are asking for everyone’s help: Pledge to focus on the road and put phones down behind the wheel. Also, sit down with family members to discuss the dangers of distracted driving, and consider installing do-not-disturb apps. If you need to send a text message while in the car, pull over to a safe location to do so.”
New Hampshire law prohibits drivers from using cell phones behind the wheel. Violators are subject to fines.
