Cops launch speed blitz

WESTFALL — The Eastern Pike Regional Police Department has begun a tough new speed enforcement blitz for the Borough of Matamoras and the Township of Westfall under the tagline: “Obey the Sign or Pay the Fine.” The intensified enforcement effort against speeding drivers underscores the severity of the problem both locally and across the nation. “Speeding translates to death on our roadways. It greatly reduces a driver’s ability to steer safely around another vehicle, a hazardous object, or an unexpected curve. Speeding drivers put themselves, their passengers and other drivers at tremendous risk, said Police Chief Chad Stewart. In 2005, speeding was a contributing factor in more than a third of all fatal crashes in the U.S. and more than 13,000 lives were lost in such crashes, according to the latest data available from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). “During the “Obey the Sign or Pay the Fine” blitz, officers will intensify enforcement of posted speed limits in Matamoras Borough and Westfall Township. We’ll stop and ticket anyone caught speeding — especially in school zones said Stewart. Fully 86 percent of all speeding-related traffic fatalities occur on local roads — where the posted speed limits were 55 miles per hour or under. “Driving above the posted speed limit or speeding in bad weather conditions dramatically increases the probability that a motorist will be involved in a crash,” said Stewart “During this enforcement blitz, officers will be out targeting and ticketing speeding drivers,” said Chief Stewart. “Our goal is to save lives and we’re putting all drivers on alert - the posted speed limit is the law. No more warnings and no more excuses. When it comes to speeding: Obey the Sign or Pay the Fine.”