Dartmouth Police Department Awarded Grant to Reduce Distracted Driving
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month
Chief Brian Levesque and the Dartmouth Police Department are pleased to announce that the department has once again been awarded a grant from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security’s Office of Grants and Research (OGR) to increase the number of distracted driving patrols during April, which is Distracted Driving Awareness Month.
Dartmouth Police will join other departments across the state, along with the Massachusetts Department of State Police, in the national Distracted Driving enforcement campaign.
An analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that 3,142 people died in distraction-affected crashes in 2020, an increase from the 3,119 such deaths in 2019. Traffic safety experts believe that driver inattention is a significant factor in motor vehicle crashes and fatalities.
The OGR offers these tips for motorists to avoid a distraction-affected crash.
- Before driving, turn your phone off and put it out of reach
- Set your phone to “Do Not Disturb While Driving” mode
- Let your friends and family know that you’ll be driving and can’t take their calls or texts
- If you have to make a call or send a text, pull over
- Watch for pedestrians and bicyclists – especially at night
- Remember to buckle up. Seat belts are your best defense against a distracted driver
For more distracted driving safety information visit the NHTSA website here or the NSC website here.
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Dartmouth Police Department Shares Winter Driving Safety Ahead of Expected Storm
Chief Brian Levesque and the Dartmouth Police Department would like to share winter driving safety tips ahead of the expected winter storm predicted to result in dangerous driving conditions Friday.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), Plymouth County is under a Winter Storm Warning for tomorrow, Feb. 4, from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m. During this time, mixed precipitation is expected with total sleet accumulations forecast to reach one inch and ice accumulations of around one-tenth of an inch.
Freezing rain and sleet are predicted during the morning commute on Friday with a flash freeze as temperatures fall into the upper 20s. According to the NWS, travel may be difficult due to slippery road conditions.
Approximately 116,800 people are injured in cold weather driving situations, such as on icy or snowy roads, every year according to the Federal Highway Administration.
Snow and ice reduce pavement friction and vehicle maneuverability, causing slower speeds, reduced roadway capacity and increased crash risk. Heavy snow and sleet can also reduce visibility.
The Dartmouth Police Department wishes to share the following tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to help keep residents safe while driving this winter:
- Check the weather before you leave. Assess the road conditions and traffic.
- Always remain vigilant while driving.
- Drive slowly in the winter – it takes longer to slow your vehicle on an icy, wet or snowy surface.
- Allocate extra time for travel during the winter to compensate for driving more slowly. Do not rush or put yourself in a situation where you feel pressured to rush or speed.
- Always wear your seatbelt, and make sure your passengers do too.
- Either drive behind a snow plow or use caution whenever passing them. Never crowd a snow plow, and do not drive next to them other than for passing. Snow plows are slow, make wide turns, frequently stop, overlap lanes and exit the road often.
The Dartmouth Police Department would also like to remind residents to make sure that their car is properly equipped with all the necessary safety measures prior to traveling during a storm:
- Make sure your vehicle is fully stocked with “winter” windshield wiper fluid with de-icer. Check this regularly, as this fluid can be depleted significantly by even one snowstorm.
- Make sure your defrosters and windshield wipers work and replace the blades if they have become worn.
- Cold temperatures can cause the inflation pressure in your tires to drop. Check the inflation pressure of your tires and make sure they meet the manufacturer’s recommended inflation pressure. It is recommended that you check your tires once monthly regardless of the season, and tires that have uneven wear or insufficient tread should be replaced. Residents are also reminded to check their spare tire.
- If you’re going to use snow tires, have them installed before the first snowfall.
- Make sure you have enough coolant in your vehicle and that the coolant meets the specifications of the manufacturer.
- Make sure your headlights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers and interior lights are all in working order. Also, check your trailer brake lights and turn signals.
- Stock your vehicle with the supplies you need to drive safely and stay warm in an emergency during the winter, including:
- Snow shovel and broom/ice scraper
- Sand or kitty litter, to be used in case your vehicle becomes stuck in snow.
- Flashlight
- Jumper cables
- Warning devices (i.e. flares, emergency markers)
- Blankets for warmth. Residents are also encouraged to keep extra hats, mittens, scarves, socks and other warm clothing items in their car, should their vehicle break down
- Cell phone charger
- Food/water
- Consider keeping a stock of any medicine you or a passenger relies on when going on a longer trip or driving in a rural area
In the event your car breaks down or stalls in the winter, residents are encouraged to stay in their vehicle with the interior dome light turned on. Residents should avoid running their vehicles for long periods of time while the windows are rolled up or in an enclosed space, as this is a carbon monoxide hazard. If you have to keep your vehicle running to stay warm, be sure to clear snow away from the exhaust pipe and run the vehicle only as long as needed to stay warm. Residents should also place bright markers on the antenna or windows while awaiting a tow.
For more winter driving tips from the NHTSA, click here.
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Dartmouth Police Department Achieves Full State Re-Accreditation for Third Time
Chief Brian Levesque is pleased to announce that the Dartmouth Police Department has been fully re-accredited by the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission (MPAC).
“We are pleased to receive re-accreditation for the third time as it is a testament to our department’s dedication to establishing and maintaining the best policing practices,” Chief Levesque said. “I’d like to recognize and thank our accreditation manager Deputy Chief James Storey and Deputy Chief Tony Vincent for their commitment to this process and their leadership throughout.”
The MPAC awarded full accreditation status to the department once again on Aug. 19. The usual in-person accreditation ceremony has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This is the fourth time the Dartmouth Police Department has earned accreditation status. The department was first accredited in 2012 and was re-accredited in 2015 and 2018.
Accreditation is a self-initiated, lengthy and comprehensive evaluation process. Participating departments complete an internal self-review and an external assessment by MPAC experts. The process is a voluntary evaluation by which police departments strive to meet and maintain the top standards of law enforcement. It is considered the best measure for a police department to compare itself against the established best practices around the country and region.
The department was assessed in April by a team of Commission-appointed assessors. The Assessment Team found the department to be in compliance with all applicable standards for re-accreditation.
The Massachusetts Police Accreditation Program consists of 257 mandatory standards as well as 125 optional standards. In order to achieve accreditation status, the department was required to meet all applicable mandatory standards as well as 60% of the optional standards.
These carefully selected standards reflect critical areas of police management, operations and technical support activities. They cover areas such as Jurisdiction and Mutual Aid, Collection and Preservation of Evidence, Communications, Working Conditions, Crime Analysis, Community Involvement, Financial Management, Internal Affairs, Juvenile Operations, Patrol Administration, Public Information, Records, Training, Traffic, Drug Enforcement and Victim/Witness Assistance.
Accreditation must be renewed every three years and, following this year’s renewal, the Dartmouth Police Department will be up for re-accreditation again in May 2024.
The Commission offers two program awards: certification and accreditation, with the latter being the higher of the two.
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Dartmouth Police Department Shares Tips for Celebrating Halloween and Trick-or-Treating Safely
DARTMOUTH — Chief Brian Levesque and the Dartmouth Police Department would like to share guidance and safety tips as Halloween approaches to help residents and trick-or-treaters celebrate safely this season.
The Dartmouth Police Department also urges all families to protect themselves by taking the appropriate precautions against COVID-19 this year as they head out to enjoy the sweet and spooky fun that Halloween has to offer.
Costume Safety
Picking a great costume is an exciting part of Halloween preparation, and the Dartmouth Police Department encourages parents/guardians to consider these tips while choosing a costume:
- All costumes, wigs and accessories should be fire-resistant.
- Any props should be soft, and no part of the costume should impair vision
or movement. - Wear sturdy shoes and temperature appropriate clothing under costume.
- If children will be allowed out after dark, fasten reflective tape to their costumes and bags, or give them a flashlight or glow sticks to ensure they are visible to drivers.
- When buying Halloween makeup, make sure it is nontoxic and always test it on a small area of skin first.
- Remove all makeup before children go to bed to prevent skin and eye irritation.
Trick-or-Treating Safety
According to the National Safety Council, children are more than twice as likely to be struck by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year. To help prevent such a tragedy, parents and trick-or-treaters are urged to consider these tips before heading out:
- A responsible adult should accompany young children on the neighborhood rounds.
- If older children or teenagers are going out alone, plan and review a route that you feel is safe and acceptable for them to follow.
- Agree on a specific time older children and teenagers should return home.
- Teach your children never to enter a stranger’s home or car.
- Instruct children to travel only in familiar, well-lit areas and stick with their friends.
- Tell your children not to eat any treats until they return home.
- Children and adults are reminded to put electronic devices down, keep heads up and walk, don’t run, across the street. Always look both ways before crossing the street.
- Families participating in trick-or-treating should be mindful of these additional safety tips regarding COVID-19:
- Wear a face mask or face covering.
- Observe good hand hygiene, including hand washing and use of alcohol-based sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol. Carry hand sanitizer and use it often, especially after coming into contact with frequently touched surfaces and before eating candy.
- Refrain from touching your face.
- Maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet of physical distance from all other participants who are not members of the same household.
Driving Safety
The Dartmouth Police Department would also like to offer safety tips for those who plan to be on the road during trick-or-treating hours:
- Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs.
- Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.
- At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing.
- Discourage new, inexperienced drivers from driving on Halloween.
While many communities will once again hold trick-or-treating events this year, the Dartmouth Police Department still urges all residents to take precautions against COVID-19.
Anyone who feels unwell, has been exposed to someone with COVID-19, or who has tested positive for COVID-19 should stay at home and refrain from Halloween activities.
Those who do not wish to participate in trick-or-treating are asked to shut off their outdoors lights as an indicator.
Handing out Treats
If you will be handing out candy this year, consider these tips to help stop the spread:
- Avoid providing candy via a shared bowl, and instead use small, individual bags for each trick-or-treater.
- Wear a face covering while distributing candy to trick or treaters.
- Practice good hygiene and ensure your hands have been washed before handing out candy.
For those staying in:
Those who do not want to participate in trick-or-treating activities this year due to the ongoing pandemic can instead consider these lower-risk alternatives:
- Carving or decorating pumpkins with members of your household and displaying them, or at a safe distance, with neighbors or friends.
- Decorating your house, apartment, or living space.
- Doing a Halloween scavenger hunt where children are given lists of Halloween-themed things to look for while they walk outdoors from house to house admiring Halloween decorations at a distance.
- Having a virtual Halloween costume contest.
- Having a Halloween movie night with people you live with.
- Having a scavenger hunt-style trick-or-treat search with your household members in or around your home rather than going house to house.
The Dartmouth Police Department wishes everyone a safe and happy Halloween!
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