State Police will roll numerous extra patrols on the Massachusetts Turnpike from Friday through Monday as part of a multi-state effort to enforce traffic laws and interdict dangerous drivers. (Photo courtesy Massachusetts State Police Media Relations)
FRAMINGHAM – The Massachusetts State Police and the Department of Transportation today announced that Troop E of the State Police will roll numerous extra patrols on the Massachusetts Turnpike from Friday through Monday as part of a multi-state effort to enforce traffic laws and interdict dangerous drivers.
Massachusetts and 14 other states today will kick off the “I-90/94 Challenge” on Interstates 90 and 94 across the United States. Here, Troop E, which is responsible for patrolling the Turnpike (Route 90) from Boston to the New York line, will conduct enforcement efforts focusing on distracted and impaired driving, excessive speed, seatbelt use, motorcycle violations, and defective equipment on and unsafe driving of large trucks and buses. Troop E will utilize marked, semi-marked, low profile, and unmarked patrol vehicles.
In addition to normal staffing levels, additional troopers will be added to every shift throughout the 96-hour period to conduct saturation patrols throughout the length of the Turnpike. The road patrols will be complemented by patrols run by members of the Troop E Community Action Team and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit.
Throughout the “I-90/94 Challenge” period, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation will run messages promoting safe driving on its electronic message boards along the Turnpike. The DOT and MSP will also promote the effort and safe driving habits on their social media platforms, including Twitter feeds @MassStatePolice and @MassDOT.
“The goal of this targeted effort – and indeed, of all our daily traffic enforcement efforts across the state – is, quite simply, to save lives,” said Colonel Timothy P. Alben, superintendent of the State Police. “We urge motorists to partner with us in this weekend’s Challenge by calling 911 on their cell phones to report distracted, drunk or aggressive drivers or any other unsafe driving behavior.”
“One of MassDOT’s principal goals is to ensure highway safety both by building safer roads and bridges, but also by encouraging safe driving behaviors,” said MassDOT Highway Administrator Frank DePaola. “Through this Challenge, we hope to reinforce the importance of safe driving by directly appealing to the public, asking them to please slow down, buckle up, and be attentive while behind the wheel.”
Interstate 90 runs more than 3,000 miles from Boston to Seattle. Interstate 94 runs for nearlhy 1,600 miles from Lake Michigan to Billings, Montana, where it connects to I-90.
