Prepare in advance by having an accident packet in your car.
It should contain a pen or pencil, paper and accident report forms. Many insurance companies provide these forms or you can download the Massachusetts Operators Accident Report. This file is in .pdf format (Adobe Acrobat Reader is required). Adobe Acrobat Software is available at no cost from Adobe.

Click here to download the accident form.
All information necessary for reporting the accident can be obtained by simply filling in the blanks on the form. The accident should then be reported to the police department of jurisdiction, the Registry of Motor Vehicles and your insurance company.

For more information concerning accident investigations and reporting procedures click here!

We will attempt to open your vehicle in the event you lock your keys in it. Prior to any Officer working on your locks, you will be required to sign a release form. this form states that the Town and the Officer assume no liability for any damages that may occur while attempting to assist you. Although you may consider locking your keys in the car an emergency, unless there is a child in the vehicle, response from an Officer may be delayed by higher priority incidents. Please be patient and we will get someone there as soon as safely possible.

No, however, we encourage everyone to wear their seat belt. Seat belt enforcement comes about as a result of a stop for some other offense such as speeding, etc. A person stopped for another offense without their seat belt on is subject to an additional $25 fine. The driver is further responsible for anyone under the age of 16 who is not belted. Persons over 16 can be issued a citation as well.
Note: children 12 and under are required to be belted and the driver can be stopped for this violation alone. Children under the age of 6 must be secured in an approved child restraint device.

Every motorist should be prepared for the possibility of their car breaking down.
Whenever possible pull the vehicle to the right hand side of the road. This will get you and the motor vehicle out of the flow of traffic and minimize the chance of causing a serious accident. Take simple steps to assure you are prepared, like making certain that your car is in good repair and keeping a working jack and tire iron, road flares, reflective triangles, jumper cables, gas can or other emergency equipment in the trunk of the car. Put on your emergency flashers and keep your hood lifted or have a small readable sign saying "send help". This will prompt passing motorists to alert police to respond. In most cases it is better to stay with the vehicle depending on road and weather conditions. If your vehicle is likely to be struck by oncoming cars, get out and wait in a safer area such as behind a guard rail. In the event you have to abandon the car be sure you secure any valuables and lock the vehicle up. Try to determine exactly where the vehicle is located so that you can direct police and service vehicles to it.

There are two basic types of citations issued by police officers: written complaints and written warnings.
Written Warnings involve no monetary fine but can be cumulative during a calendar year - no more than three are allowed before registry action against the operator is taken.
Criminal applications are criminal offenses that could result in fines or jail.
Civil Citations are civil infractions that you may choose to simply pay the fines or check the appropriate box indicating that you want to appeal the citation by requesting a hearing before a clerk magistrate of the court. Regardless of what option you choose, you must respond within 20 days of the date of the violation or face additional fines, license suspension and the issuance of an arrest warrant for contempt of court.

Only if it is safe to do so. Never slam on your brakes, never stop in the travel lane. Calmly put your right directional on and cautiously move over to the breakdown lane or shoulder of the road. Do not exit your car - wait for the officer to approach you. This is done for your safety and the safety of the officer.

No. They are illegal in Massachusetts. MGL chapter 90 section 13 - impeded operation - $25 fine.

Radar detectors are legal but must not interfere with the operators vision or view of the roadway, from the dashboard and windshield area. This includes fuzzy dice, large air fresheners, windshield suction paper pads, etc. ...

First, check with the police department overseeing the area where your car was last parked and make sure that it was not towed. Secondly, keep handy, (outside of your car - in your home or wallet), a copy of your registration information. Contact the police department of jurisdiction in person with this information so your car may be entered as stolen.
Note: it is a good idea to memorize your license plate number, make, model and year of your vehicle.

Address your complaint to the Chief of Police, Dudley Police Department.

Yes, we have email capabilities. Please understand that email is not checked on any defined schedule, and there may be a delay in processing a response. Do not use email to report an emergency or a crime in progress. Check the Contact Us area of this site for the proper email address pertaining to your question.

If you are the first to arrive - pull over beyond the accident scene so as not to obstruct emergency vehicles responding.
Check for injuries.
If you are equipped with a cell phone and the accident occurred in Dudley, -dial 508-943-4411 or if outside of Dudley, * SP or * 77. You will reach a Dudley Police dispatcher or State Police dispatcher and they will need the following information:
1. Your exact location
2. Injuries / how many
3. Number of vehicles
This information should be relayed in a calm, concise manner. Once you are advised that the dispatcher has all the needed information do not tie-up the line unnecessarily.

Yes. State law requires that you pull over for an emergency vehicle which displays proper lights - including unmarked police vehicles.

For up to the minute traffic information please call SmarTraveler, an information service provided by MassHighway - (617) 374-1234 or *1 on your cellular phone.