Two motorcyclists were killed in unrelated crashes in Concord this week, bringing the number of people killed on New Hampshire roads to at least 10 in the last five days.
Joseph Kasper, 70, of Weare died Tuesday morning after the motorcycle he was operating collided with a vehicle near the intersection of Clinton Street and the Hooksett Turnpike at approximately 9:15 a.m., Concord police said.
Kasper was taken to Concord Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The other driver in the crash was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
Ian McLaughlan, 63, of Warner was killed in a crash Monday evening near the intersection of Washington and Fowler streets in the Penacook area. He was operating a motorcycle at approximately 4:15 p.m. when he struck a guardrail.
McLaughlan was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police are investigating the crashes.
New Hampshire Department of Safety officials asked drivers to “rethink their driving habits” because at least nine crashes have now resulted in 10 deaths in just five days. It’s not clear if the two Concord crashes were included in Tuesday morning’s report. Safety officials were not available Tuesday evening to confirm the total.
“What’s happening on our roads is alarming and has resulted in tragic consequences,” Assistant Safety Commissioner Eddie Edwards said in a written statement. “But the unfortunate reality is many of these crashes could have been prevented by better decision-making. We are asking our residents and visitors to comply with speed limits, keep their eyes on the road, and don’t drive impaired.”
Since Friday, there have been deadly crashes in Concord, Belmont, Alton, Center Conway, Loudon, Jaffrey, Hampton Falls and Gilford.
State Police have increased traffic enforcement on major highways and safety officials are working with local law enforcement to deter and detect dangerous and potentially deadly driving behavior, State Police Col. Mark B. Hall said.
“Let’s work together to make our roads safer for everyone,” Hall said. “The New Hampshire State Police will continue to enforce the laws of the road, but we need everyone’s help in obeying those laws, and we encourage all drivers to do their part.”
As of Tuesday, at least 64 people have been killed in 59 crashes across the state this year. That’s a 10% increase over 2023, when 58 people died in crashes, officials said.
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