Chief Timothy Plummer and the Madras Police Department are taking steps to ensure road safety during the busy Thanksgiving holiday travel period. With support from a grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the department will participate in the Speeding Slows You Down high-visibility enforcement campaign from November 21, 2024, through December 2, 2024. This initiative focuses on reducing speeding, a leading cause of traffic fatalities, especially during the hazardous winter driving season.
Thanksgiving marks one of the busiest travel periods of the year, and with it comes the added danger of unpredictable and hazardous weather conditions. Rain, snow, and icy roads can make driving more treacherous, reducing tire traction and increasing stopping distances. These conditions, combined with speeding, create a perfect storm for serious crashes.
“Speeding in hazardous weather is even more dangerous,” said Chief Timothy Plummer. “Wet or icy roads can make it nearly impossible to stop or safely navigate around hazards. If you speed, you’re not just breaking the law—you’re putting your life and others’ lives at risk. The message is simple: slow down and drive for the conditions.”
In 2022, speeding-related crashes accounted for 12,151 fatalities, or 29% of all traffic deaths. While this marked a 2.8% decrease from 2021, the numbers are still alarming. Young drivers and motorcyclists remain particularly vulnerable, with 35% of male drivers aged 15-20 and 51% of motorcyclists aged 21-24 involved in fatal crashes reported as speeding.
Speeding doesn’t just endanger the driver. It reduces reaction time, makes it harder to navigate around obstacles or curves, and diminishes the effectiveness of advanced vehicle safety features. Combined with bad weather, the risks only multiply.
The Madras Police Department urges all drivers to obey speed limits, drive cautiously in adverse weather, and prioritize safety for themselves and others on the road. Drivers caught speeding will be ticketed.
For more information on the Speeding Slows You Down campaign, visit www.nhtsa.gov or contact the Madras Police Department at 541-475-2424. Let’s work together to ensure a safe and happy Thanksgiving for everyone.