Icy roads blamed for dozens of crashes across New Hampshire

The cruiser sustained moderate passenger side damage (NHSP photo)

WARNER - Freezing rain and slick roads are being blamed for dozens of crashes across New Hampshire on Saturday, including one in Warner in which a driver was cited after crashing into a police cruiser in the breakdown lane.

The cruiser crash occurred around 8 a.m. when a trooper was assisting at an accident scene on Interstate 89 northbound in Warner.

A Toyota Camry driven by Daniel Chen, 34, of Boston lost control and struck the cruiser, which was stationary in the right breakdown lane with the blue emergency lights activated.

Both the cruiser and the other vehicle were damaged but neither the trooper nor Chen were injured. There was freezing rain falling at the time, and the roadway was ice covered.

An investigation revealed that Chen was traveling too fast for the existing roadway conditions and was therefore unable to maintain control of his vehicle as he approached the previous emergency scene. He was cited for traveling too fast for existing roadway conditions.

In all State Police responded to 53 accidents on Saturday morning as freezing rain fell across the state.

State Police took the opportunity to remind to be particularly mindful of their speed during inclement weather. Drivers are also asked to be aware of the move-over law which requires motorists to give emergency vehicles a wide berth. This includes police and fire vehicles as well as tow trucks, DOT trucks, and any other kind of service vehicle with blue, red, or yellow flashing lights.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or who has information about it is requested to please contact Sergeant Daniel Livingstone at 603-223-8545 or via email at Daniel.J.Livingstone@dos.nh.gov