New Hampshire law enforcement agencies have launched a new campaign aimed at reducing accidents along the Route 106 corridor, with a particular focus on dangerous driving behaviors.
The initiative, funded by the New Hampshire Office of Highway Safety, will enhance patrol efforts starting Sunday. Officers will focus on catching drivers engaged in speeding, distracted driving, and reckless behavior.
Chief Dana Flanders of the Loudon Police Department stated, “We have additional patrol funding from highway safety, which allows us to increase our presence and target these behaviors throughout the week.”
Route 106 stretches across Merrimack and Belknap counties, linking the Lakes Region with the Capital Region. The 35-mile stretch of highway has been the site of significant crashes, including 10 fatalities since January 2021.
Recently, a serious head-on crash in Belmont left five people hospitalized. Police noted that these types of incidents often occur during peak commuter hours in the late afternoon and evening.
In addition, a man was indicted for negligent homicide in connection with a crash in July 2024 on Route 106, which claimed the life of an 8-year-old girl and left several others injured.
The enforcement campaign aims to prevent further accidents and provide peace of mind for families who are concerned about their children’s safety.
“Over the last four years, 10 families have lost loved ones on this stretch of road. We are all committed to reducing that number to zero,” said Lt. Evan Boulanger of the Belmont Police Department.
Officials are urging drivers to slow down, buckle up, limit distractions, and work together to maintain safety on the roads. “Give yourself time to arrive alive. Partner with us,” Boulanger added.
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