State Police launch ‘Operation Wicked Safe’ to target aggressive drivers

State Police began an initiative Tuesday aimed at cracking down on hazardous driving across major northeastern roadways, officials said. 

Dubbed “Operation Wicked Safe,” the effort runs through Thursday and features heightened, targeted patrols by state troopers from Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

The campaign targets speeding and distracted, dangerous, and impaired driving, State Police said in a news blog. 

Drivers in Massachusetts will likely notice a significantly larger police presence. Enforcement will prioritize high-traffic routes such as Interstates 90, 91, 84, 93, 95, and 395, Route 146, as well as additional roads selected by participating agencies, State Police said. 

“Dangerous driving does not stop at state lines,” said State Police Colonel Geoffrey Noble, “and neither does our commitment to keep people safe on our roadways.”

State Police said October consistently brings a surge in dangerous driving and crashes, driven by seasonal factors, including increased tourism, changing weather and road conditions, and the resumption of the school year. 

The department characterized October as the “deadliest month of the year.” In October 2025, State Police logged more than 4,000 service calls related to traffic accidents, and MassDOT reported nearly 40 fatal crashes. 

State Police also cited a 2025 study showing that 96 percent of drivers admitted to dangerous driving — such as tailgating, speeding, or cutting off other vehicles — over the past year. 

“Our message to the driving public is straightforward,” Noble said. “If you choose to drive dangerously, we will find you wherever you are, and you will be held accountable.”