Springfield Police Department Urges Drivers to Slow Down
Springfield, Mass. — Springfield Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood and Mayor Domenic J. Sarno are urging drivers to slow down. In the past four days, Springfield Police Officers have responded to four fatal motor vehicle crashes.
“These recent fatal crashes have all been avoidable tragedies and I send my condolences to the families impacted. The crashes all remain under investigation, but we can say that speed played a factor in each and every one of them. We are urging drivers to slow down, put down your phones and buckle up so that you do not put yourself or anyone else on the road in harm’s way. We’re also asking the courts to begin holding some of these drivers accountable for their actions so that they are not as brazen when they get behind the wheel. Our officers are enforcing the rules of the road, but far too often these cases are dismissed” said Springfield Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno stated, “First of all, my sympathy, thoughts, and prayers go out to the affected families. Simply put – slow down, pay attention, and have your senses about you, because it could cost you your life or the lives of others. It boggles my mind why someone has complete disregard for our traffic laws and would drive 114 mph. Commissioner Clapprood and our brave and dedicated men and women in blue will continue to crack down on the speeders. I, again, urge our court system to back us up when these infractions come before them, to send a message. Hopefully, if they do and with our continued enhanced patrols this can and will save lives.”
Since September 1st, Springfield Police Officers have issued more than 600 citations for speeding, arrested 62 drivers for operating with either no license or a suspended license and issued 225 criminal complaints to drivers for operating with either no license or a suspended license.
On Tuesday November 2nd at approximately 12:40 a.m. officers responded to a two car crash on the 300 block of Page Boulevard. One driver crashed into a building. He succumbed to his injuries on scene. One passenger suffered serious injuries and was flown to Boston for treatment.
On Wednesday November 3rd at approximately 12:30 p.m. officers responded to the 600 block of State Street. A pedestrian walking a bicycle was struck by a vehicle and succumbed to his injuries on scene. The driver was operating without a license and placed under arrest.
On Thursday November 4th at approximately 4:15 p.m. officers responded to the 100 block of Verge Street. A driver had crossed the center line and struck a van head on. The driver succumbed to his injuries on scene.
On Friday November 5th at approximately 1:15 am officers responded to the 1400 block of Page Boulevard. An adult female driver crashed into a tree and succumbed to her injuries on scene.
FATAL CRASHES PER YEAR
2021 – 19 (As of November 5th)
2020 – 14
2019 – 7
2018 – 16
2017 – 11
CRASH REPORTS PER YEAR THROUGH NOVEMBER 5TH
2021 – 4335
2020* – 3794
2019 – 4453
2018 – 4623
2017 – 4335
***Decrease in 2020 attributed to the amount of drivers on the road during the pandemic
