There is often a lot of confusion among people about rules of the road. It is very common to arrive at an accident scene and find 2 cars, 2 drivers, and 2 people who think they were driving in the right. Some people have some really interesting interpretations of the motor vehicle laws. The Walpole Police Department is happy to accommodate anyone who has a question about the laws of Massachusetts. We welcome residents to call or stop by the station, and an officer would be happy to help you. Not only that, but to make it even easier you could just email us, and we'll get right back to you.
Whatever you want to know:
- Can I use a cell phone while I drive?
- How do speed radars work?
- Can I use the breakdown lane if I'm turning right?
- Is going through a yellow light against the law?
- Do I have to have my license on me?
- Can I use strobe lights if I have a plow truck?
- They sell them in stores, so why are neon lights are illegal?
E-mail A Question
A concerned citizen recently emailed in a question about reckless driving and what should you do when you witness someone driving dangerously.
If you spot a vehicle that is driving recklessly, so much so that it is putting people's safety in jeopardy, this is a serious public safety issue that should be reported to the local police immediately.
First and foremost, and above all else is your safety. Under no circumstances should you attempt to stop, pull-over, cut-off, or attempt to follow a person who is driving recklessly. You have no idea who this person is, where they are coming from, or more importantly, why are they driving so recklessly. Could they be under the influence or running from the police...who knows, but we don't need you to find out.
What we do need is a good witness and a phone call. To help us most effectively we need certain, simple information.
- What type of car? Color, make, model and plate number. We need to know what to look for, we need information. Is there a weird bumper sticker or a truck with a broom sticking out of the back? I can not tell you how many times callers report a "white sedan" or a "black pickup", we need something to narrow it down.
- Where are you? Depending on how you are calling law enforcement, your call may be answered by an operator that is not in your area. You must know what town you are in, and if possible what street. In this age of cell phones..."I'm on Route 1 by the Mobile gas station" isn't going to help. You could be calling from Boston or Attleboro and anywhere in between.
- Where are they heading? The direction of travel is critical. They may be in front of Walmart right now, but they are moving and moving fast. Which way are they going? Should we wait at the Mall for them, or should we wait by Bickfords? Quit a difference.
- Call us. The person is endangering lives, and you have the information we need to stop them, this is where we need your help. Call 911 and let us know, this can only be done if we work together.
Remember, if you come in to contact with someone who is making our roads unsafe we need 2 things, a good witness and a phone call, we'll take care of the rest.
