Salem Police Give Summer Road Safety Tips

SALEM, NH — With arrival of summer and school vacation, the Salem police encourage drivers to be extra alert. Warmer temperatures mean more pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists and children playing outside near the roads. Police are reminding drivers to be extra alert.

"The roads get really busy this time of year," said Police Deputy Chief Joel Dolan. "Everyone can take steps to protect themselves and others, however, and we're encouraging residents to stay off their phones regardless of their mode of transportation, pay attention, and follow the law."

The Salem Police Department offers the following tips for drivers to avoid injuries:

• Watch for pedestrians at all times.
• Avoid distracted driving and don't use cell phones or other electronic devices while driving.
• Yield to bicyclists as you would for a vehicle. Do not underestimate bicyclists' speed, especially when making a turn.
• Be cautious at night and in inclement weather, when visibility is poor.
• Be cautious near crosswalks. Slow down and prepare to stop. Yield to pedestrians and give them ample time to cross. Do not pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk.
• Follow slower speed limits in neighborhoods with signage warning that children are present.
• Drivers turning right on a red light need to look to the right and behind, to avoid hitting a bicyclist that may be approaching from right rear. Stop completely, look left-right-left and behind, then take the turn.
• Give cyclists extra space. Do not pass them too closely.
• Give motorcyclists a full lane of travel, especially at intersections and on highways — they have the same privilege as other drivers.
• Anticipate motorcyclists' maneuvers. A piece of road debris that poses no threat to a car may be deadly for a motorcyclist. Predict their evasive moves and don't follow them too closely.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Check twice, save a life.

The following tips are offered to motorcyclists and bicyclists:

• Make your presence known to drivers. Wear helmet and reflective gear.
• Avoid riding in a driver's blind spot.
• Be cautious of cars entering or exiting driveways, or backing up in a parking lot.
• Use proper turn signals.
• Always follow the rules of the road.