WESTON – Today, at the Weston Barracks, the Massachusetts State Police and partner agencies announced Operation Wicked Safe, a multi-state law enforcement initiative that will address dangerous driving on major roadways across the region. Highly visible and targeted patrols by Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont Troopers will operate from October 13 through October 15. The operation reflects each agency’s shared commitment to address aggressive driving, excessive speed, distracted driving, impaired driving and other high-risk behavior that harms public safety.
In Massachusetts drivers can expect to see an increased presence of Troopers on patrol as well as a variety of specialized units supporting the operation. Priority roadways include Interstates 90, 91, 84, 93, 95 and 395, Route 146, and other roads designated by participating agencies. The goal is to enforce the law and send a clear message that dangerous driving will not be tolerated.
“Dangerous driving does not stop at state lines, and neither does our commitment to keep people safe on our roadways,” said MassachusettsState Police Colonel Geoffrey Noble. “This operation brings together dedicated State Police Troopers and specialized units from Massachusetts and all five states bordering the Commonwealth in a highly visible, coordinated enforcement effort. Our message to the driving public is straightforward: If you choose to drive dangerously, we will find you wherever you are, and you will be held accountable.”
The Massachusetts State Police’s Division of Field Services developed Operation Wicked Safe as a high-visibility traffic safety operation to advance the Department’s Excellence Initiative’s Goal 4 to promote safer communities. The operation reflects a growing body of public safety data and anecdotal evidence from Troopers in the field about the prevalence of dangerous, aggressive driving, especially in October.
Every year, dangerous driving behaviors and resulting crashes peak in October with the influx of seasonal tourism, school routines, as well as changing weather and road conditions. In October 2025, the Massachusetts State Police recorded more than 4,000 calls for service related to crashes and MassDOT recorded 38 fatal crashes – making it the deadliest month of the year.
According to a 2025 AAA study, 96% of drivers admit to engaging in at least one aggressive driving behavior such as speeding, tailgating or cutting off another vehicle over the past year. Law enforcement believe these persistent trends underscore the need for sustained, visible enforcement.
“Speeding, distracted driving and operating under the influence remain some of the most dangerous driving behaviors we encounter on Connecticut’s roads,” said Colonel Daniel Loughman, Commanding Officer, Connecticut State Police. “Next week, Connecticut State Troopers will increase enforcement efforts to deter dangerous driving behaviors and encourage motorists to obey posted speed limits. Slowing down, ditching the distraction and driving sober saves lives.”
“Operation Wicked Safe occurs during one of the busiest travel weeks of the year in our state,” said New Hampshire State Police Lt. Brian Viglione. “During the initiative, Troopers will be out to deter and detect dangerous driving behaviors – from the Massachusetts line up to the northern border, and from the Seacoast across to the Vermont border. We ask everyone to join us and take their choices behind the wheel seriously.”
“The Vermont State Police is pleased to participate in Operation Wicked Safe along with our law enforcement partners in New England and New York,” said Lt. Robert McKenna, Special Operations Executive Officer, Vermont State Police. “One of our primary responsibilities is to ensure the safety of drivers and all users of our roads, and we know high-visibility patrols and deterrence play a critical part in that effort. Working together in a coordinated operation across state lines allows police agencies to expand our impact region-wide. For drivers, a reminder: Please slow down, ensure you and all your passengers are buckled up, give yourself plenty of time to get where you’re going, don’t drive aggressively, and stay safe in your travels.”
“The goal of this campaign and our traffic enforcement efforts all year long is to reduce the number of crashes resulting from aggressive and dangerous driving behaviors, including speeding and distracted driving,” said New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James. “We know all too well the needless tragedies that result when motorists don’t make safety their number one priority. We are proud to join this effort, and we want to thank our agency partners for their commitment to keeping our highways safe for all users.”
