Motorists Warned About Defying Road Blocks

This weeks police blotter included the citation of a man who ignored a police road block, which happened after "he apparently thought that our officers did not really have a legitimate reason for blocking the road, and there was no good reason why he shouldn’t be allowed to drive down the road, unimpeded," according to Lt. David Constantineau.  "He came close to getting arrested for Disorderly Conduct when he started yelling and swearing at the officer trying to do his job." 

Constantineau said it unfortunately happens all the time.

"When we investigate a traffic accident, or any other incident on or near the road, we will close or restrict travel on that road while the investigation is going on.  We do not make these decisions lightly, but in order to keep officers, emergency workers, and citizens safe..." he stated.   "It is amazing how many people see this as a personal affront to their right to go wherever they want, whenever they want.  Equally amazing are the people who truly believe that, while the roadblock may apply to everyone else, it does not apply to them." 

 Constantineau said that motorists have given them reasons to proceed including the need to get somewhere and "I don’t know any other way."  Both are not effective in convincing an officer who may be diverting traffic away from an accident, he said.

"If you are truly lost, unsure where to go, or just plain confused when you approach a road block, our officers will do their best to help you get where you are going, but please understand that giving you directions is only one of about a dozen things that officer is doing at that minute.  She or he will not be able to talk to you at length.  They will not be able to tell you what is going on, and they certainly will not listen to you yell or complain about how inconvenient it is for you to have to drive all the way around," he added.  

"When we are out there blocking a road, it is because someone is in trouble, or there is a dangerous situation that we are trying to protect YOU from," said Constantineau.