Chief’s Corner

By Chief Steven J. Wojnar

Dudley Police Department

            In a recent discussion with someone, I was asked to remind residents of the law regarding right turns at red traffic signals.  Many people do not observe the proper procedures when making these turns.  I was asked to inform everyone on how to properly do this.

            Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 89 Section 8 is the section authorizing turns of this nature.  At red traffic signals, right turns are allowed under certain conditions.  If the turns are not prohibited by proper positing, a vehicle driver “may make either (1) a right turn or (2) if on a one-way street may make a left turn to another one-way street…”  All traffic at the red signal must come to a full stop prior to executing any turn.  The vehicle driver also has the obligation to yield to pedestrians and other traffic lawfully traveling through the intersection.  A violation of this law calls for a $35 civil fine.

            Many accidents or close calls occur when vehicles do not come to a complete stop before turning.  It is crucial to be certain there are no pedestrians or other vehicles traveling through the intersection.  Generally, traffic signals are in place due to a heavy traffic volume in a particular area.  Be mindful of your surroundings and understand others may not be paying attention to you.  Take the extra moment to exercise some added caution.

            I wish to congratulate the three winners of the Red Sox Ticket Raffle held on August 1^st.  This raffle was sponsored by Val-Go Construction and all proceeds were donated to the Dudley DARE Program.  A total of $555 was raised as a result of this raffle.  The winners received four tickets to upcoming Red Sox games.  They were:  First Place:  Tom Purcell (August 13^th game versus Baltimore Orioles) Second Place:  Meaghan Krajcik (August 14^th Versus Detroit tigers) Third Place: Anthony Didonato (August 13^th versus Toronto Blue Jays).  I wish to thank all who bought tickets and extend a special thanks to Mr. Art Vallee and Mr. George Slingo for coordinating this raffle and donating the tickets.  Everyone’s contributions will go far toward educating our young people about the dangers of drugs.

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