Chief’s Corner

By Chief Steven J. Wojnar

Dudley Police Department

            I was stopped in the Town Hall recently by a local resident with a topic for this column.  The person asked if I could remind people of the proper way to make a right turn at a red traffic signal.  He had observed many people "rolling" through the intersection of Airport Road and West Main Street without stopping and asked if I could remind people of the correct way to make these turns.
            The ability to make a right turn at a red light is authorized by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 89 Section 8.  Unless there is a sign posted at an intersection prohibiting such turns, a vehicle may turn right at a red light after making a complete stop.  The law states in part, "the driver of a vehicle which is stopped as close as practicable at the entrance to the crosswalk or the near side of the intersections or, if none, then at the entrance to the intersection in obedience to such red or stop signal, may make...a right turn..."  A full and complete stop is required before any turn is made.  The driver also bears the obligation to yield to any pedestrians or vehicle traffic traveling, “as directed by the signal at said intersection.”
            The penalty for a violation of this offense is a thirty-five dollar civil infraction.  Many people do not pay full attention at all times at these intersections.  You must remember traffic signals are in place in areas of heavy vehicle and/or pedestrian traffic volume.  As such, drivers must pay greater attention in order to avoid accidents and prevent injuries.

            I wish to thank Principal Desto and the seventh grade Dudley Middle School teachers and staff for inviting me to speak with the students regarding crime scene investigations.  The class is taking part in crime scene analysis and forensics, while reading books by Sherlock Holmes.  It was a pleasure to meet with the students and I answered some very challenging questions.  Thanks again to the teachers and students for their hard work and dedication.  I wish the best of luck to all in completing their respective projects.

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