At the barracks on the Massachusetts Turnpike in Weston the Massachusetts State Police (MSP) announced the details of 'Operation Wicked Safe." According to the State Police, "Operation Wicked Safe" is a "a regional interstate highway safety initiative targeting dangerous driving, including speeding, distracted driving, failure to move over, commercial vehicle enforcement, and impaired driving."

"Operation Wicked Safe" is an initiative involving Massachusetts and the State Police agencies which the Bay State borders. This includes Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont and New York. The enhanced enforcement will take place on the cross-border corridors including Interstates 90, 91, 84, 93, 95, 395 and route 146. 

At today's announcement Massachusetts State Police Lt. Colonel Brendhan Shugrue said poor driving behaviors will be targeted, "During Operation Wicked Safe from October 13th to 15th, participating state police agencies will conduct highly visible enforcement focused on the behaviors that are putting motorists, passengers, pedestrians, and other roadway users in danger."

Lt. Colonel Shugrue continued by saying October is statistically a tough month on Massachusetts roads, "According to our data last year, the Massachusetts State Police saw more calls for vehicle crashes in the month of October than we saw in any other month. So that is why these six law enforcement agencies, some who have joined us here today, are deciding to act to let drivers know that unsafe driving will not be tolerated."

Commercial vehicle enforcement will also be a priority during "Operation Wicked Safe." Major Sean Maher, Head of Special Operations for the Massachusetts State Police said the MSP truck teams will be out and certain usually closed weigh stations will be open. Major Maher, "Operation Wicked Safe is all about ensuring the driving public can travel our roadways with confidence. You'll see us in every major corridor and we won't compromise safety. Our message with this operation is clear. Unsafe trucks will be taken off the road and unsafe drivers will be held accountable."

Connecticut State Police Captain Matthew Kane echoed the thoughts of his colleagues from Massachusetts saying people can do their part, "We hear our citizens. We know people feel unsafe traveling highways. We cannot combat this problem alone. We need partnership from our citizens. Slow down, ditch the distractions and drive sober. Although this traffic initiative is for next week, let me be clear. Our agencies are committed to combating these dangerous behaviors year-round."

New Hampshire State Police Lt. Brian Viglione added the fall tourist season is a busy time on Granite State roads. He said distracted driving makes roads throughout New England less safe, "More than 80 people have been killed so far this year on New Hampshire roads. Many of these crashes could have been prevented if better decisions have been made. We need everyone to take their choices behind the wheel seriously."