After 10 NH Road Deaths In 4 Days, Officials Issue Plea To Drivers

CONCORD, NH — The New Hampshire Office of Highway Safety is asking drivers to "rethink their driving habits" after nine crashes in four days resulted in 10 deaths, officials said Tuesday.

From July 12 to July 15, fatal crashes occurred in Concord, Belmont, Alton, Center Conway, Loudon, Jaffrey, Hampton Falls, and Gilford. All crashes involved one deceased victim except for one crash in Gilford, which had two victims. The causes of the crashes are being investigated by various law enforcement agencies.

As of Monday, 64 lives have been lost in 59 crashes on New Hampshire roads since the beginning of 2024. During the same period last year, fifty-eight lives were claimed, marking a 10 percent increase in crash deaths so far in 2024, officials said.

"What's happening on our roads is alarming and has resulted in tragic consequences," New Hampshire Department of Safety Assistant Commissioner Eddie Edwards said. "But the unfortunate reality is many of these crashes could have been prevented by better decision-making. We are asking our residents and visitors to comply with speed limits, keep their eyes on the road, and don’t drive impaired."

To deter dangerous driving behaviors, the New Hampshire Office of Highway Safety and New Hampshire State Police have increased enforcement efforts on major interstates and highways, according to officials.

"Let's work together to make our roads safer for everyone," State Police Colonel Mark B. Hall said. "The New Hampshire State Police will continue to enforce the laws of the road, but we need everyone’s help in obeying those laws, and we encourage all drivers to do their part."