NH Agencies Partner to Deter and Detect Unsafe Behaviors During the Upcoming Summer Season

HAMPTON, N.H. – Today, members of the New Hampshire Department of Safety, along with state and local leaders, Hampton police and fire departments, State Beach Patrol, State Liquor Enforcement, the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, the Department of Transportation and the Fish and Game Department discussed public safety preparations for the upcoming summer season, including specific initiatives aimed at stopping individuals from driving, boating, swimming and lighting fireworks while impaired. Officials also provided updates on changes in seasonal operations and currently available resources.

The media briefing can be viewed in its entirety on YouTube.

General summer safety tips:

• State, county and local law enforcement will be partnering throughout the summer season to increase patrols focused on detecting and deterring impaired drivers. 
• Residents and visitors should designate a sober driver if they intend to consume alcohol.
• Impaired driving continues to claim lives in New Hampshire. In 2022, alcohol and/or drugs were determined to be factors in more than 70% of crash deaths.
• Driving or boating while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is dangerous, illegal and will result in an arrest and administrative license suspension.
• Swimming or lighting fireworks while impaired is extremely dangerous and unnecessarily risks lives.
• Children under the age of 13 are required to always wear a United States Coast Guard-approved lifejacket while underway on a vessel. It is good practice for everyone on board a vessel to wear a lifejacket.
• Pay extra attention and avoid distractions while driving in work and construction zones. New England 511 provides up-to-the-minute traffic and transit information.
• Alcohol is not permitted on Hampton Beach. In 2023, State Beach Patrol cited more than 9,000 alcohol violations. To date in 2024, there have already been 1,200 alcohol violations.
• Fireworks are unlawful within the town of Hampton.
• Granite State residents can sign up for NHAlerts to monitor broadcast updates for communications regarding emergencies and severe weather.
• New Hampshire Liquor Enforcement investigators will be working to ensure licensees responsibly sell and serve alcohol. The Total Education in Alcohol Management (T.E.A.M.) course is available to assist licensees with understanding state alcohol, beverage and tobacco laws.
• When traveling, become familiar with all available exits in the event of an emergency, such as a fire. Ensure smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are also working properly. Additionally, always comply with local ordinances and remain sober while lighting fireworks.
• DUI penalties for impaired operators of OHRVs are the same as if they were operating a vehicle. Fish and Game Conservation Officers will continue to patrol trails and conduct enforcement initiatives.
• Anyone who experiences an emergency should contact 9-1-1 immediately. Call if you can, text if you can’t.