Salem Community Patriot 8 - September 24, 2010


Fatal Accidents Appear to Be On the Rise by Andrea Ganley-Dannewitz


Anyone checking the news daily has seen what appear to be a lot more articles and news bits regarding fatal motor vehicle accidents in the local area, but the reason for it is unknown. The most recent accidents occurring either continue to remain under investigation or were the result of the most common factors of accidents— intoxication, operator error, medical emergencies, and unsafe operation.


In recent weeks, fatal accidents seemed to become a daily recurrence, whether in New Hampshire or in the bordering state of Massachusetts.


Statistics obtained from the New Hampshire Department of Safety show that as of September 13, 2010, the state of New Hampshire had a total of 93 people killed in accidents, and the year is not over. Public Information Officer for the Department of Safety, James Van Dongen, says no one really knows just why the numbers seem so high this year. Van Dongen keeps statistics on fatal accidents for the Department of Safety. “Looking at the numbers, they are up this year, but I have no idea why,” Van Dongen said. Statistics provided by Van Dongen show that in 2008, New Hampshire had 138 fatalities as a result of motor vehicle accidents involving passenger vehicles, motorcycles, commercial vehicles, OHRVs, snowmobiles, and bicycles. In 2009, the state recorded a total of 110 fatalities, which was lower than in 2008. Now, this far into 2010, the state is at a total of 93 victims and it does appear the number is on the rise again. The information provided by the Department of Safety notes that during this same time period last year, the state had recorded 73 fatalities; exactly


20 less than what the report shows for 2010 at the time of this writing. However, for those living in southern New Hampshire, the statistics are startling, as Rockingham and Hillsborough Counties hold the highest number of fatalities in the state.


During 2008, Rockingham County had 29 fatal accidents. The following year, the county had experienced a total of 20 crashes resulting in fatality, a decrease from the year before. Now, this far into 2010, Rockingham County has already had 15 fatal crashes; however, that does fall in line with how many fatal crashes Rockingham County had during this time period last year, which was 14.


Hillsborough County has seen just about as


many fatalities as Rockingham County. During 2008, Hillsborough County had 24 fatal crashes, with a decrease to 17 in 2009. Yet, Hillsborough County has seen the increase again in 2010 with the county already at 17 fatal crashes. This time period last year shows that Hillsborough County had 11 fatal crashes—the county is now ahead of that number by six. The reason for the apparent occurring rise of


fatal crashes is unknown at this time. Some seem to think an increase in roadwork on highways and within towns could be a factor, but at this time, no one can really be certain. Several area police departments weighed in on the local statistics and though some towns have not been quite as affected, they have in the past, and are all too-well aware of the startling news of so many fatal accidents over the past several weeks. Windham police report having three fatal motor vehicle crashes in their town since 2008.


Grandfather Charged


with DWI, Had Grandchild in the Car


by Andrea Ganley-Dannewitz A 59-year-old Salem man was arrested for Rhadames LaChapel


driving drunk Saturday night after a citizen reported to police that a vehicle was all over the road on Route 28. The vehicle, operating at a high rate of speed and nearly striking a utility pole near Salem Depot, was stopped by Salem police in the area of Rockingham Park Boulevard at 8:47 p.m. The driver, Rhadames LaChapel, 59, of Salem, was determined to be intoxicated. Inside the vehicle was an open bottle of whiskey and his four-year-old granddaughter. LaChapel failed field sobriety testing and


was taken into custody. He is charged with DWI, open container, and endangering the welfare of a child. The four-year-old girl was taken to Salem Police Department while


her grandfather was being processed. She was released to the custody of her parents, who coincidently were already at the police station. “About 45 minutes earlier, the girl’s father, Oscar LaChapel, 22, of Salem was taken into custody on an outstanding bench warrant out of Salem District Court. While they were already here, the child’s grandfather was arrested and she was released to her parents here at the station,” Patten said.


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Police Captain Michael Caron agreed that he is well aware of the crashes that have been in the news since mid-summer and more recently over the past several weeks, but whether or not road construction is to blame, he isn’t so sure. Windham is experiencing a heavy construction load in their town with the I-93 widening project; however, their most recent fatal crash did not occur near a construction site. “In 2008, Windham had a single-vehicle accident resulting in one fatality. In 2009, we had a two-vehicle accident that resulted in one fatality and we recently had another two-vehicle accident that resulted in the same,” Captain Caron said. In Pelham, the police department reports only one fatal accident since 2008. Pelham Police Chief Joseph Roark agreed that in seeing the news over the past several weeks, there could be a sudden increase this year in fatal accidents. However, Pelham has not experienced any since 2008.


Hudson Police Chief Jason Lavoie says the town of Hudson also has not had a fatal accident this year, but they have had quite a few in the past. Luckily, the town of Hudson has not been affected by the apparent increase, but Chief Lavoie did note a few that occurred over past years. “In 2009, we had one fatal crash involving a


motorcycle that was traveling south on Route 102. A vehicle traveling north on Route 102 attempted to take a left onto Page Road and struck the motorcycle. The driver of the vehicle was at fault,” Chief Lavoie said. Chief Lavoie noted that Hudson did not have


any fatal motor vehicle accidents in 2008; however, in 2007, the small town experienced three.


In Salem, the police there have seen more than there fair share of fatal crashes over the past several years. According to Deputy Police Chief Shawn Patten, Salem has had eight fatalities since 2008. “Without looking at the numbers, I can’t be sure that fatalities have risen in our area; however, in light of what has been seen on the news, it does seem that way,” he said. After reviewing the numbers of fatal accidents in Salem since 2008, Patten notes that 2008 seemed to be a bad year for accidents, with Salem experiencing four fatalities as a result of motor vehicle accidents. In 2009, Salem police had three fatalities, including one where a pedestrian was struck and killed in her driveway by a vehicle. However, this far into 2010, there has been just one, but that one crash was the result of the operator crashing the vehicle into a tree on purpose. “I’m not really sure why there have been so


many here, and not just here, but in surrounding areas as well. It could be the heavy traffic flow due to all the roadwork on highways and such, but I can’t be sure. It does seem like there have been more than usual lately, though; just not right here in Salem,” Patten added. In all, whether the crashes were self-inflicted, caused by an unknown medical problem, an operator under the influence, or an operator error, the data from the Department of Safety seems to reflect a growing number of fatalities in southern New Hampshire. The New Hampshire Department of Safety and the New Hampshire Department of Transportation are looking into the matter to see if there are any commonalities that may be factors in the increase.


Boys & Girls Club Celebrates Annual Day for Kids


submitted by Rachel Hill On Saturday, September 18, the Boys & Girls Club of Salem held


their Annual Boys & Girls Club Day for Kids. The Day for Kids is a national event created by Boys & Girls Clubs of America for the specific purpose of honoring and celebrating our children. With over 400 parents and children in attendance, families were greeted at the door by staff and parent volunteers, who provided information about the Club, the different events and activities offered during the day, and tours of the Club. As children entered the Club, they had the opportunity to participate in carnival games for prizes, jump around in the bounce house, participate in a scooter race, and have their face painted. A new addition to the event this year was the live band, Mudflap Junior Jones, who played for most of the day. Refreshments for the event included beverages, popcorn, and chocolate- covered pretzels, all provided by the Club at no cost to parents. The staff of the Club prepare for the event with the intention of providing a day of fun, food, and festivities for all the families in the community. “We want this to be a fun day for the kids; one that they will remember and look forward to next year,” says Mike Stevens, Program Director. A special thanks goes out to all club members, parents, and staff


who volunteered their time and supplies to help make this event successful.


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Volunteer Ashley Rawson paints the face of club member Samantha Maguire, 9


Jaime Laird, Music Instructor at the Club, gets ready for his band, Mudflap Junior Jones, to play at the event


Victoria Bonin waits patiently with her mom as Brianna Bettinger finishes up her Halloween project at the craft table


Salem Garden Club’s Garden of the Month winners for August were David and Lynda Watters, 18 Cornwell Court, with design by Jim Hartnett.


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