Dedham Police Present Results from Community Traffic Survey

Editor's Note: The following information was submitted by the Dedham Police Department.

The Police Department has done an analysis of the traffic concerns provided to us by community members via our recent survey.  The following information summarizes traffic related concerns of community members.  The Police Department received 517 responses to the survey.

Issue (Dedham overall)                       % of Respondents Concerned

Reckless and/or speeding traffic                                 49.5%  

Alcohol/drug impaired drivers                                    62.2%

Parking problems                                                        30.2%

Pedestrian safety                                                        50.4%

Bicycles riding against traffic                                      36.1%

When asked about individual neighborhood concerns, 50.5% of respondents indicated that they are likely/somewhat likely to be concerned with speeding/reckless vehicle operation in their neighborhood.

The Police Department currently dedicates 3 patrol officers primarily to traffic enforcement and related issues.  Almost half (46.4%) of those that participated in this survey responded that the Department should focus resources on motor vehicle enforcement efforts.  Our traffic officer’s work in conjunction with uniformed officers assigned to patrol operations in conducting traffic enforcement throughout the Town.

We were able to identify numerous streets associated with the traffic concerns communicated to us.  The Police Department plans on dedicating traffic enforcement resources to many of these streets to address the concerns of community members.  Traffic concerns can be communicated to the Police Department at any time by calling 781 751-9300 and asking for our traffic enforcement voicemail.

Some traffic issues do not lend themselves to an easy solution.  Roadway design can often influence driver behavior.  Enforcement is helpful in some of these difficult locations, but traffic problems can persist when enforcement resources are not present.  Enforcement resources are limited. 

Although concerns related to parking problems were not communicated by a majority of the respondents, there are problems in certain areas.  The roadway infrastructure in Dedham was designed long ago.  The number of vehicles that residents own today was not considered when most of the Town was built.  There are many areas of Town where residents lack sufficient driveway space and roadways are not all that wide.  The Police Department tries to balance the needs of those with vehicles who need parking and keeping roadway and pedestrian travel space clear.  We ask that operators consider the needs of others when they park their vehicles.  Parking issues can impact pedestrian safety.  The Police Department will continue to monitor handicap parking violations throughout the Town.  The Department works with the Commission on Disability in enforcing handicap parking violations.

Alcohol/drug impaired drivers received the highest percentage of concern from respondents as related to traffic issues.  The Dedham Police Department supports an initiative being promoted by District Attorney Michael Morrissey.  D.A. Morrissey has reached out to all Norfolk County alcohol pouring establishments to adopt the Hero Program (www.herocampaign.org) to promote the use of designated drivers to keep everybody safe on the roads.  Our officers will continue to monitor the roadways for operators who may be operating while under the influence.  The Police Department did participate in a Sobriety Checkpoint with the Massachusetts State Police last fall.  We will look for opportunities to conduct such operations in the future.

High fuel costs and a focus on energy conservation have created an increase in the use of bicycles for transportation on roadways.  Most roadways lack dedicated bicycle travel lanes.  Bicyclists on roadways need to abide by vehicle laws.  There is a need for cooperation and caution on the part of both bicyclists and motor vehicle operators to ensure the safety of all while sharing the roadways.

The Police Department continues to review the information that was provided to us through our community survey.  We look forward to identifying ways in which the Department can better serve the community.