MassDOT Safety: Halloween driving safety tips

MassDOT Safety: Halloween driving safety tips

MassDOT Safety (@MassDOTSafety) posted Wed, Oct 30, 2024:

Drivers, whether you're driving or traveling by broomstick for #Halloween festivities, be extra careful in neighborhoods. 

Kids are 2 times more likely to get hit on Halloween according to @NHTSAgov.

Always #DriveSober. Designate a sober driver, call a rideshare, or take @MBTA.

Shared from -> https://t.co/Ld3AbCY1xa

Mass State Police announce sobriety checkpoint for an unidentified location in Norfolk County on Saturday, Sep 30

Mass State Police (@MassStatePolice) posted on Mon, Sep 25, 2023:  

Mass State Police

Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police, announced that a

"Sobriety Checkpoint" will be implemented by the Massachusetts State Police on a Public Way in the Counties named below. The purpose is to further educate the motoring public and strengthen the public's awareness to the need of detecting and removing those motorists who

operate under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs from our roadways. 

It will be operated during varied hours: the selection of vehicles will not be arbitrary: safety will be assured: and any inconveniences to motorists will be minimized advance notice to reduce fear and anxiety. 

THANKS TO A GRANT PROVIDED BY THE OFFICE OF GRANTS AND RESEARCH OF THE MASSACHUSETTS EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND SECURITY, A "SOBRIETY CHECKPOINT" WILL BE HELD IN THE COUNTIES LISTED BELOW COUNTY 

Norfolk 

DATE = Saturday, September 30, 2023 into Sunday, October 1, 2023

Shared from -> https://t.co/4cThQ3vdsj

"A driver can use a phone only if the vehicle is stationary and not in an active travel lane"

From the Boston Globe, an article of interest to Franklin

"It’s time to break some old habits: State officials are reminding drivers the new hands-free law goes into effect Sunday. 

“I think all of us have to unlearn behaviors that we have been learning since smartphones have become part of our lives," Secretary of Transportation Stephanie Pollack said Thursday at a news conference. 

Massachusetts, Governor Charlie Baker said, "consistently rates among the 10 worst states in the country for distracted driving, and I think in many ways this law is overdue, but I also believe it will, over time, save lives.”

• "You CAN’T enter a number or talk on a phone without hands-free mode
• You CAN’T look at photos or videos
• You STILL CAN’T text while driving
• You CAN’T use your phone at a stoplight
• If you’re under 18, you CAN’T use your phone in any capacity"

Continue reading the article online to find out what you CAN do under this new law (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/02/20/metro/new-mass-hands-free-driving-rules-go-into-effect-sunday-heres-what-you-definitely-cant-do-anymore/?

(Photo = XREFLEX - STOCK.ADOBE.COM via BostonGlobe.com)

Franklin Police Awarded Traffic Safety Grant

FRANKLIN POLICE AWARDED GRANT TO REDUCE IMPAIRED DRIVING

The Franklin Police were awarded a grant from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security's (EOPSS) Office of Grants and Research (OGR) to increase the number of impaired driving patrols during the holiday season. Franklin Police will join other departments across the state and the State Police in the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over (DSOGPO) enforcement mobilization.

"Impaired drivers are a risk to everyone on the road. Both the operator as a risk to themselves, and every other person traveling the roadways" said Chief Thomas J. Lynch of the Franklin Police Department. "These grants allow us to increase the number of targeted patrols on the streets looking for impaired drivers and making it safer for everyone."

"Arranging for a sober ride home before celebrating should be a part of everyone's plans this holiday season," said Jeff Larason, Director of Highway Safety at Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, Office of Grants & Research. "We want all drivers to recognize the responsibility they have to drive safely and to avoid getting behind the wheel if they're impaired. Remember - If you feel different, you drive different."

Massachusetts Data (2013-2017):

• Marijuana was the most prevalent drug found in drivers involved in fatal crashes.
• 11 percent of drivers involved in fatal crashes were found with both alcohol and drugs in their system.
• 78 percent of impaired drivers in fatal crashes were men.
• 35 percent of drunk drivers involved in a fatal crash were 21-29 years old.
• The number of drivers involved in a fatal crash who were alcohol-impaired (BAC .08+) and had drugs in their system increased by 63 percent (35 to 57).
• From 2016 to 2017, alcohol-impaired driving fatalities decreased by 19 percent (148 to 120).

National Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

• Approximately one-third of all traffic crash fatalities in the United States involve drunk drivers. On average, more than 10,000 people have died each year (2013 to 2017) in drunk-driving crashes. To put it in perspective, that's equal to about 20 jumbo jets crashing each year, with no survivors.
• In 2017, one person was killed every 48 minutes by a drunk driver on our nation's roads.
• In 2017, almost one in five children (14 and younger) killed in traffic crashes were killed in drunk-driving crashes. Fifty-four percent of the time, it was the child's driver who was drunk.
• Drugs were present in 43 percent of the fatally-injured drivers with a known test result in 2015, more frequently than alcohol was present.
• NHTSA's 2013–2014 roadside survey found drugs in 22 percent of all drivers both on weekend nights and on weekdays.
• Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)—the chemical responsible for most of marijuana's psychological effects—slows reaction times, impairs cognitive performance, and makes it more difficult for drivers to keep a steady position in their lane.
• Mixing alcohol and marijuana may dramatically produce effects greater than either drug on its own.

For more information on the Office of Grants and Research's impaired driving enforcement grant program or to view the accompanying "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" TV ads, please visit http://www.mass.gov/drivesober.

This was shared from the Town of Franklin Police Dept page
https://www.franklinma.gov/police-department/news/franklin-police-awarded-traffic-safety-grant

Franklin Police Awarded Traffic Safety Grant

"would ban virtually all hand-held electronic device use by drivers"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Conference committee leaders remained tight-lipped about their private negotiations on distracted-driving legislation a week after an apparent deal fell apart.

In separate interviews with the News Service, both state Rep. William Straus, D-Mattapoisett, and state Sen. Joseph Boncore, D-Winthrop, who together chair the six-member conference committee, said they are still discussing the long-sought bill but declined to put a timeline on when their work may be complete.

“We’re going to continue to discuss it between the chairs,” Boncore said. He described himself as “confident” that a deal would be reached soon, but noted talks would last “as long as it takes.”

Straus said the conferees “have never stopped being in communication with each other,” despite the collapse of an apparent consensus last week."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190809/no-timeline-for-distracted-driving-deal

"would require hands-free use of all mobile devices while driving"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"House and Senate Democrats failed to reach a compromise on long-discussed distracted driving legislation after a marathon session Wednesday, abandoning the issue about four hours after Senate President Karen Spilka said a resolution appeared imminent.

Both branches held sessions open from Wednesday afternoon until after midnight Thursday in what was expected to be the last day before a traditional August recess.

With a six-member conference committee privately negotiating the mobile device ban, Spilka told the News Service around 7:45 p.m. that there was an “agreement in principle” and that she expected the matter “should be done tonight.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190801/distracted-driving-bill-hung-up-as-recess-begins

From MAHighway   https://youtu.be/8EHKcScFnsI

UNITE's Arrive Alive Tour® Visits Tri-County Regional to Inform Students About Impaired Driving

Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School hosted UNITE's Arrive Alive Tour®, a program that simulates the dangers when texting and driving or driving while under the influence of alcohol.

Vincent Polito, a senior in the Engineering program at Tri-County, attempted to maneuver a virtual road course on a program designed to simulate driving under the influence of alcohol. "It felt like I had no control over what I was doing and that there was input delay but with my brain," said Polito. "The good news is, I didn't kill anyone. Even better news is that it wasn't real."

UNITE's Arrive Alive Tour® program uses a high-tech simulator, impact video, and a number of other resources to educate the public about the dangers of texting while driving and intoxicated driving. The simulator allows participants to experience the potential consequences of distracted and impaired driving in a controlled environment.

Nearly one-third of all traffic deaths involve alcohol-impaired drivers. Every two minutes, a person is injured in a drunk driving crash. On average, two in three people will be involved in a drunk driving crash in their lifetime. In 2014, the highest percentage of drunk drivers involved in fatal crashes were in the age range of 21 to 24. Every day, people drive drunk more than 300,000 times. However, only about 3,200 of those people are arrested.

One of the most commonly recognized driving distractions is cell phone use. About 89 percent of all Americans have a cell phone, according to CTIA – The Wireless Association. Drivers under 20 years old have the highest proportion of distraction-related fatal crashes according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Their lack of driving experience can contribute to critical misjudgments if they become distracted. Not surprisingly, they text more than any other age group, and the number of young drivers who text is only increasing.

"We are pleased to have UNITE's Arrive Alive Tour® program to come to Tri-County in order to educate our students on the impact of distractions like texting while driving as well as driving under the influence of alcohol, which can be detrimental to themselves and others," said Principal Michael Procaccini. "Engaging students in real-life scenarios teaches them to be alert and better-equipped to handle dangerous situations and behaviors which will be safer for our community."

UNITE brings health and wellness programs to high schools, colleges, and communities across the nation. Its programs are designed to heighten awareness to the dangers and consequences of impaired driving. These events have a powerful impact on students to reinforce the subjects that schools and parents teach them daily.

Tri-County RVTHS, located at 147 Pond Street in Franklin, is a recipient of the High Schools That Work Gold Achievement Award and serves the communities of Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleboro, Plainville, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole, and Wrentham.

UNITE's Arrive Alive Tour® Visits Tri-County Regional to Inform Students About Impaired Driving

"advised residents to shovel out fire hydrants"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Franklin Police Sgt. Brian Johnson warned drivers about the icy roads. 

“The biggest fear right now is things freezing,” he said. “Unfortunately when it gets this cold, if the roads are still snow-covered or wet, even throwing down sand and salt doesn’t do too much.” 

Local DPW officials have also been reaching out to residents in locations around town that historically have water pipe problems during the arctic cold."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180105/local-police-fire-dpw-crews-prepare-to-battle-bitter-cold-temperatures-this-weekend

"advised residents to shovel out fire hydrants"

“Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Campaign

The Franklin Police Department was awarded a special grant from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) to increase the number of impaired driving patrols during the holiday season. Franklin police will join local police departments across the state and the State Police in the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over (DSOGPO) and enforcement mobilization and public information campaign.

“Drivers impaired by any drug, including marijuana or alcohol, are a major threat to the safety of our roads,” said Deputy Chief of Police James Mill of the Franklin Police Department. “Our officers will be stopping any motorist who is exhibiting signs of impairment, or driving in a dangerous manner.”

The DSOGPO educational component of the campaign will stress the responsibility drivers have to other motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians to stay off the road if impaired by any substance.

“Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Campaign

“We needlessly lost 119 people to impaired driving last year in Massachusetts,” said Jeff Larason, Director of the EOPSS Highway Safety Division. “As part of this year’s Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign we are asking drivers to acknowledge the responsibility they have to their passengers, other motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists on the road with them, to drive without impairment of any kind,” said Larason. “Plan ahead before you celebrate this holiday season and designate a sober driver, use a ride sharing service, or stay where you are – whatever it takes to avoid getting behind the wheel.”

Massachusetts and National Data:

• From 2015 to 2016, alcohol impaired driving fatalities in MA increased 9 percent (from 109 to 119).
• On average, 800 people have been killed nationally in December crashes involving drivers with BACs over the legal limit since 2012
• Marijuana or marijuana-type drugs were the most prevalent types of drugs found in drivers killed in crashes in MA from 2011 to 2015.
• Drivers using marijuana demonstrated decreased car handling performance, increased reaction times, impaired time and distance estimation, sleepiness and decreased motor skill coordination (NHTSA).
• Mixing alcohol and marijuana may dramatically produce effects greater than either drug on its own (NHTSA).

***Media Note***
Distracted or impaired crashes are not “accidents.” We urge media to follow the AP Stylebook, which suggests avoiding the word “accident” in reference to negligent, drunk, or drugged crashes.


This was shared from the Town of Franklin webpage 
http://www.franklinma.gov/police-department/news/%E2%80%9Cdrive-sober-or-get-pulled-over%E2%80%9D-campaign

Franklin Police receive grant to get impaired drivers off the road

The Franklin Police will increase the number of impaired driving patrols on local roads after being awarded a special grant from the Highway Safety Division (HSD) of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS). The Franklin Police department will join more than 200 local police departments across the state and the state police in the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement mobilization.

This year’s campaign will include the impairment marijuana causes in drivers – and the exponentially increased impairment caused when alcohol and marijuana are combined.

Drivers who have had too much to drink or ingested marijuana are a menace to everyone on the road with them. “This grant funding will allow us to add patrols to specifically target impaired driving, with the goal of increasing the safety for entire community of Franklin” said Chief Thomas J. Lynch

“There is clear evidence that drivers who have used marijuana, especially in combination with alcohol, are significantly impaired,” said Jeff Larason, Director of the Highway Safety Division. “We are urging motorists to plan ahead for a sober ride home by using public transportation, a ride-sharing service or a designated driver. Do not put yourself and each person in the car and on the road with you at risk.”

Massachusetts Data

• Marijuana or marijuana-type drugs were the most prevalent types of drugs found in people killed in crashes from 2010 to 2014.
• From 2013 to 2014, alcohol impaired driving fatalities increased 14 percent (125 to 143).
• From 2010-2014, 77 percent of impaired drivers in fatal crashes were men.
• From 2010-2014, 46 percent of all alcohol-related driver fatalities were ages 21 to 34.

National Data

• NHTSA’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) reported that drugs were present in 40 percent of the fatally-injured drivers with a known test result, almost the same level as alcohol.
• NHTSA’s 2013–2014 roadside survey found drugs in 22 percent of all drivers both on weekend nights and on weekdays.
• Drivers using marijuana demonstrated decreased car handling performance, increased reaction times, impaired time and distance estimation, sleepiness and decreased motor skill coordination (NHTSA).
• Mixing alcohol and marijuana may dramatically produce effects greater than either drug on its own (NHTSA).

Franklin Police receive grant to get impaired drivers off the road

This was shared from the Town of Franklin Police Dept webpage

http://www.franklinma.gov/police-department/news/franklin-police-receive-grant-get-impaired-drivers-road

“It’s not just young drivers”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"It’s a situation that has become more prevalent in recent years: a driver is cruising along a country road, splitting attention between the other cars and a cell phone. 

The SUV ahead slows unexpectedly. The driver sees this too late. There’s a screech as the brakes struggle against the car’s momentum, and a smash as the vehicles collide. 

This time the scene took place in a simulator, housed in a trailer in the parking lot of the Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School Tuesday morning. The spiderweb pattern on the monitors is an image, not an actual smashed windshield. 

The high school this week is playing host to an Arbella Insurance “Distractology” simulator, an effort to educate students on the consequences that distracted driving can entail."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170404/tri-county-hosts-distracted-driving-simulator

Franklin Police: Change to Driving Law

HEADLIGHTS ON FOR SAFETY 

Mass General Law Ch. 85 sec 15 

1. Motorists will be required to turn on headlights and taillights whenever the windshield wipers are on. 

2. Motorists will be required to turn on headlights and taillights when visibility is reduced so that persons or vehicles are not visible at 500 feet due to insufficient light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions - Law will take effect April 7, 2015.

Franklin Police Station, Panther Way

_______________________________________________
You are subscribed to the Franklin Police News and Announcements mailing list.

Trial Attorneys Bring End Distracted Driving Programs To Local High Schools

Trial Attorneys Bring End Distracted Driving
Programs To Local High Schools

The Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys (MATA) will bring its "End Distracted Driving" (EDD) program to

• Brockton High School on Tuesday, January 6, 2015 at 9:52am and 12:53 pm
• Medford High School on Wednesday, January 7, 2015 at 8:30 am
• Norwood High School on Thursday, January 7, 2015 at  9:54 am

The program will be headed by MATA President Charlotte E. Glinka and Philadelphia Attorney Joel Feldman, who created the EDD program after losing his 21-year old daughter Casey in 2009 as a result of  the actions of a distracted driver. 

Attorney Glinka remarked, "MATA is proud to continue to support the efforts of Attorney Joel Feldman in bringing the End Distracted Driving program to high schools throughout the state. Over the past few years we have reached out and engaged in a dialog with thousands of teens about the dangers of distracted driving. There couldn't be a more important message about driving safely and saving lives". 

MATA Past Presidents Timothy C. Kelleher III and C. Michael Conley, as well as MATA Executive Committee Member Saba Hashem have volunteered in the last few years to bring the EDD presentation, created by Attorney Joel Feldman, to as many schools as possible and will continue to do so going forward. 

MATA has made this ongoing volunteer program a priority as an organization and the EDD events are a prominent part of MATA's public service projects statewide. As trial lawyers, MATA members believe in safety on every level and this important program is educating those most at risk – young and inexperienced drivers.

Franklin Police: Drive Sober

The Franklin Police Dept has shared this public service announcement from the MA Highway Safety Division


A message from the Massachusetts Highway Safety Division.

For the 2014 holiday season, the MA Highway Safety Division produced this spot with assistance from the Lexington Police, Lexington Fire-Rescue, and Bedford Police Departments. The message is simple and needs no narration. It's our hope that these images will instill some common sense this holiday season. The spot was produced by The Rendon Group in Boston, MA.

Franklin (MA) Police

_______________________________________________
You are subscribed to the Franklin Police News and Announcements mailing list.

Driving to Boston: Prudential Tunnel Ceiling Removal Project

MassDOT has planned 3 significant weekend lane restrictions on Interstate 90 (Massachusetts Turnpike) in Boston to remove the Prudential Tunnel ceiling over the roadway. The ceiling remains safe and secure, but has deteriorated beyond the point of repair and must be removed. The tunnel ceiling is owned and maintained by the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA).

Mass Dept of Transportation

The restrictions will reduce traffic to one lane eastbound and one lane westbound inside the Prudential Center Tunnel on the following weekends:

March 28-30
April 4-6
April 25-27

MassDOT and MCCA strongly encourage motorists planning travel along the Massachusetts Turnpike through Boston to consider using public transportation, seeking alternate routes and allowing additional time to travel through the work zone during these weekends.

For more information about this project and to view printable detour maps and directions, please visit www.prutunnelproject.info

"End Distracted Driving" Program - Comes to Franklin High School

 

 TRIAL ATTORNEYS BRING END DISTRACTED DRIVING

PROGRAM TO FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL

The Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys (MATA) will bring the "End Distracted Driving" (EDD) program to Franklin High School in Franklin, MA on Thursday, March 13, 2014 at 9:00 a.m.  

The EDD program was started by Philadelphia Attorney Joel Feldman, whose daughter was killed in 2009 by a distracted driver and who will be speaking at the Franklin High School presentation. 

Atty. J. Michael Conley, the President of MATA remarked: "The End Distracted Driving program is one of the most important ongoing initiatives that MATA has ever done. It reaches out to our most vulnerable drivers – high school students. The program is designed to raise awareness of the dangers in driving distracted and hopes to protect young drivers by educating them. What could be more important in our society?"  

MATA has adopted attorney Feldman's EDD program and continues to visit as many high schools and colleges as possible each year to impress upon students the many dangers of driving distracted. 

Representative Jeffrey Roy (D-Franklin), who was instrumental in bringing MATA and the EDD program to Franklin High School, said, "Distracted driving substantially increases the risk of an accident and young drivers are at the greatest risk. While we have laws in place, distracted driving remains a major health risk with deadly consequences. When I saw the End Distracted Driving program I knew that it had to be showcased in our area, as I think it is something all high school students should see".  

As of this date, MATA volunteers and Joel Feldman have presented the EDD program in over twenty high schools and colleges in Massachusetts.

Franklin Schools: School Status for Thursday - Feb 6, 2014

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Hello

By now I hope you are all plowed/shoveled out. In anticipation of school opening tomorrow a few reminders. The temperature will drop this evening and much of the snow/sleet/slush will freeze. DPW will treat the parking lots and roads however,  surfaces will not be dry. Please take caution to reduce speeds and stay 100 feet behind all school buses (as per law). If you have young drivers in your home please caution them to reduce speed and not follow other cars too closely. 

DPW  has done an exceptional jobs clearing streets and parking lots.  Due to the volume and density of the snow,  please be advised  that  sidewalks will not be plowed by the opening of school.  As a result we will initiate emergency bussing for our students who are walkers. Buses will pick up  any student seen walking.  Parents of a walker may access our web site for the list of bus numbers and stops and you can access transportation without a bus pass. 

Finally, any  parent/guardian has concerns about getting child to school you may exercise your right to keep child home. Please contact the school and let them be aware so it is recorded as an excused absence.

Thank You and Stay Safe,
Maureen Sabolinski

from 'Nemo" in Feb 2012

This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. If you wish to discontinue this service, please inform FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT either IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at 508-613-1777.

The bus information can be found here
http://franklindistrict.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinDistrict_BusOffice/transportation/transportation


The PDF doc with all the bus routes for each school can be found here
http://franklindistrict.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinDistrict_BusOffice/transportation/Bus%20Routes%20FY14.pdf

Drive cautiously

Be careful driving around Franklin today. Especially when coming from a side street to a main street, the snow is piled high on the corner and you'll have difficulty peeking around to watch for the traffic.

From North Park St to Wachusett




From Wachusett to King St

State warns drivers to stop using breakdown lane where fourth lane has been ...

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

State warns drivers to stop using breakdown lane where fourth lane has been added to Rte. 128

via Wicked Local Franklin News RSS by Staff reports on 1/23/13

State Police and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation are reminding drivers that use of the breakdown lane on Interstate 93/Interstate 95 (Rte. 128) has been discontinued where a new fourth travel lane has opened.

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Franklin Senior Center: AARP Drivers Safety Class - Jan 26

Reporting by walking around Franklin, I found this and several other photos worth sharing.




For additional info visit the Senior Center webpage  http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Senior/index


To register, call the Senior Center  508-520-4945