Despite mammoth safety efforts, five die in holiday weekend crashes

CONCORD - The New Hampshire Department of Safety on Tuesday announced that multiple state agecies worked cooperatively over the 4th of July holiday weekend to ensure the safety of Grnaite Staters, but even with all the due diligence, five highway fatalities were recorded.

Between July 2 and July 5, five people were killed in crashes in the towns of Deerfield, Alexandria, Derry, Tamworth and Wolfeboro, according to data reported by law enforcement to the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) Unit within the Division of Motor Vehicles.

During the holiday period, members of the New Hampshire State Police, the Office of the State Fire Marshal, and the Office of Highway Safety executed multi-layered efforts that included high-visibility patrols on interstates and waterways, inspections of fireworks displays, and community engagement focused on safety and responsible celebration.

By the Numbers

• From Thursday, July 3, to Monday, July 7, 2025, Troopers with the Division of State Police conducted high-visibility comprehensive enforcement efforts across the state, resulting in 2,767 traffic stops for speeding, distracted driving, and other violations. The patrols led to 78 arrests, with 23 individuals apprehended for driving while intoxicated (DWI). Troopers also responded to 62 crashes.

• Troopers and Marine Patrol Officers also conducted a joint saturation patrol on Lake Winnipesaukee and the roads of Belknap County. Efforts on the water resulted in 45 stops, one arrest for boating under the influence and one arrest for careless and negligent operation, along with two citizen assists, the investigation of two boating crashes, and the resolution of three hazards to navigation.

• The New Hampshire State Police aircraft was deployed and helped identify dangerous driving behaviors. The aircraft assisted in stopping drivers of 234 vehicles, with 81 of those vehicles observed being operated at speeds exceeding 90 mph.
• The Office of the State Fire Marshal (SFMO) within the Division of Fire Safety inspected 27 display shows over the weekend and conducted spot inspections of 25 consumer fireworks retail stores. The SFMO was also notified of two fireworks-related injuries over the holiday weekend; however, no members of the office responded to either incident. Members of the SFMO also participated in Hanover's Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration and engaged with the community about safety.
  
  
• From Thursday, July 3, to Sunday, July 6, 2025, during a statewide effort coordinated by the New Hampshire Office of Highway Safety, state, county and local law enforcement stopped 227 vehicles and made 14 arrests. Three of the arrests involved impairment. Additionally, law enforcement issued 214 warnings and 21 summonses and checked 103 child restraints. Summonses were written for speed, red light/stop sign violations, use of mobile devices and other violations.

  CONCORD, N.H. - The New Hampshire Department of Safety is announcing the results of various coordinated enforcement and educational efforts by some of its agencies conducted during the week of Independence Day.

  During the holiday period, members of the New Hampshire State Police, the Office of the State Fire Marshal, and the Office of Highway Safety executed multi-layered efforts that included high-visibility patrols on interstates and waterways, inspections of fireworks displays, and community engagement focused on safety and responsible celebration.

  By the Numbers

  • From Thursday, July 3, to Monday, July 7, 2025, Troopers with the Division of State Police conducted high-visibility comprehensive enforcement efforts across the state, resulting in 2,767 traffic stops for speeding, distracted driving, and other violations. The patrols led to 78 arrests, with 23 individuals apprehended for driving while intoxicated (DWI). Troopers also responded to 62 crashes.
  • Troopers and Marine Patrol Officers also conducted a joint saturation patrol on Lake Winnipesaukee and the roads of Belknap County. Efforts on the water resulted in 45 stops, one arrest for boating under the influence and one arrest for careless and negligent operation, along with two citizen assists, the investigation of two boating crashes, and the resolution of three hazards to navigation.
  • The New Hampshire State Police aircraft was deployed and helped identify dangerous driving behaviors. The aircraft assisted in stopping drivers of 234 vehicles, with 81 of those vehicles observed being operated at speeds exceeding 90 mph.
  • The Office of the State Fire Marshal (SFMO) within the Division of Fire Safety inspected 27 display shows over the weekend and conducted spot inspections of 25 consumer fireworks retail stores. The SFMO was also notified of two fireworks-related injuries over the holiday weekend; however, no members of the office responded to either incident. Members of the SFMO also participated in Hanover's Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration and engaged with the community about safety.
    
    
  • From Thursday, July 3, to Sunday, July 6, 2025, during a statewide effort coordinated by the New Hampshire Office of Highway Safety, state, county and local law enforcement stopped 227 vehicles and made 14 arrests. Three of the arrests involved impairment. Additionally, law enforcement issued 214 warnings and 21 summonses and checked 103 child restraints. Summonses were written for speed, red light/stop sign violations, use of mobile devices and other violations.

  "The safety of New Hampshire's residents and visitors is always our top priority, especially during busy holiday weekends like the Fourth of July," said New Hampshire Department of Safety Commissioner Robert L. Quinn. "The number of deadly crashes and arrests for impairment over the holiday weekend is concerning. However, we remain committed to continuing the tireless work to reduce instances of excessive speeding, impairment, and distraction, and ultimately improve the safety of all who drive, boat, or otherwise explore our state."

"The safety of New Hampshire's residents and visitors is always our top priority, especially during busy holiday weekends like the Fourth of July," said New Hampshire Department of Safety Commissioner Robert L. Quinn. "The number of deadly crashes and arrests for impairment over the holiday weekend is concerning. However, we remain committed to continuing the tireless work to reduce instances of excessive speeding, impairment, and distraction, and ultimately improve the safety of all who drive, boat, or otherwise explore our state."