Chief’s Corner
By Chief Steven J. Wojnar Dudley Police Department Hopefully the snow is done for the season and summer will be here before we know it. Residents often mention the presence of horses and other livestock being walked or ridden along the roads when the weather improves. These animals may also get loose from time to time. We have several active 4H Club Members in our area, which increases the chance of drivers encountering these animals along the roads. Since some drivers may have moved here from outside the area, they may not have experienced this type of situation before. It is important for everyone to be aware of the rules they must observe when approaching livestock. Due to Dudley’s rural nature, horses, cows, and other livestock are kept in various parts of town. Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90 Section 14 provides the guide for drivers to observe when encountering these animals. It states in part, “Every person operating a motor vehicle shall bring the vehicle and the motor propelling it immediately to a stop when approaching a cow, horse or other draft animal being led, ridden or driven, if such animal appears to be frightened and if the person in charge thereof shall signal so to do; and, if traveling in the opposite direction to that in which such animal is proceeding, said vehicle shall remain stationary so long as may be reasonable to allow such animal to pass; or, if traveling in the same direction, the person operating shall use reasonable caution in thereafter passing such animal.” Drivers are required to stop and/or shut off their motor if the animal appears frightened or the rider signals you to do so. It may also be necessary to stop and allow the animal to pass by your location to ensure the move is done safely. Passing must also be performed with “reasonable caution.” The Penalty for violating this section is a civil traffic fine. These animals can be out on the roads either on purpose or by wandering out on their own. It is important to note, like pedestrians; these animals have been around much longer than motor vehicles. Therefore, the laws will favor the animal and the people in charge of them in most cases when it comes to an accident. |
Encounters of this nature can be rare and often unexpected. Please do our local 4H members and others a favor by exercising caution in these circumstances to avoid serious accidents and injuries.
For those still seeking COVID-19 vaccination or other information, it can be found at www.dudleyma.gov or by calling 508-949-8036. We encourage everyone to continue to be safe. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. These times continue to be challenging and we, at the Dudley Police Department, greatly appreciate the support we receive from our community. Thanks again for your questions and comments. Please send them to me at the Dudley Police Department 71 West Main St. Dudley, Ma. 01571 or email at swojnar@dudleypolice.com. Opinions expressed in this weekly column are those of Chief Wojnar only and unless clearly noted, do not reflect the ideas or opinions of any other organization or citizen. |
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