Haverhill Weighs Pedestrian Safety Measures After Accidents

City Council explores education, enforcement, and infrastructure changes to protect walkers.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Haverhill city officials are exploring ways to improve pedestrian safety on local roads after a fatal accident and other near-misses. The City Council's Planning and Development Committee heard concerns from residents and police about distracted driving, lack of pedestrian awareness, and inadequate enforcement tools. Proposed solutions include better driver and student education, adding speed humps, clearing snow from sidewalks, and upgrading traffic signals to include audible crossing signals for the blind.

Why it matters

Pedestrian safety is a growing concern in Haverhill as the city grapples with distracted driving, lack of awareness among all road users, and limited enforcement options. Improving safety could help prevent future tragedies and make the city more walkable for residents.

The details

Police reported that of 1,386 accidents last year, 32 or 2% involved pedestrians, often due to distracted driving. Officers face challenges enforcing laws like jaywalking due to low fines. Residents shared videos of near-misses, including an older person with a walker nearly struck in a crosswalk. Officials discussed adding speed humps, clearing snow from sidewalks, and upgrading traffic signals with audible crossing signals.

  • In November 2025, a fatal pedestrian accident occurred on River Street.
  • In 2025, Haverhill police issued 832 citations for violations of the state's hands-free cellphone law.

The players

John A. Michitson

Haverhill City Council Vice President and chair of the Planning and Development Committee.

Kevin Lynch

Haverhill Police Lieutenant who reported on pedestrian accident data and enforcement challenges.

Al Pereira

A freelance news photographer who showed videos of pedestrian near-misses at busy intersections.

Timothy J. Jordan

Haverhill City Council President who agreed that education is key to improving pedestrian safety.

Melinda E. Barrett

Haverhill Mayor who said snow piles pushing pedestrians into the street are a safety hazard.

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What they’re saying

“Eighty percent of all pedestrian and bicycle accidents are the results of the pedestrian or bicyclist. For example, when you are driving a bike or scooter and you get to a crosswalk, the law says you will dismount and walk because it is a crosswalk, not a ride walk. But nobody does that. Everybody buzzes right through.”

— Kevin Lynch, Haverhill Police Lieutenant (whav.net)

“Just hearing you talk about education and students. I don't pretend to have all the answers by any stretch, but I know that you have some school resource officers. It seems like that's a good place to start I don't know, or just getting into the schools, because the adults, I think realistically is a challenge.”

— Timothy J. Jordan, Haverhill City Council President (whav.net)

“You press the button. There's no audible signal. There's nothing. So, it's just trying to guess if the cars are moving or not. Unfortunately, I don't get to look. I'm playing the hearing game. So, if I don't hear anything, I can step out but who's to say that guy's not going to run me over taking a right turn on red.”

— Norman Rheaume, Haverhill Resident (whav.net)

What’s next

The Haverhill City Council's Planning and Development Committee will present a report on the pedestrian safety meeting to the full City Council in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

Improving pedestrian safety in Haverhill will require a multi-pronged approach of better driver and student education, enhanced enforcement tools, and infrastructure upgrades like audible crossing signals and speed humps. Addressing this issue could make the city's streets safer and more walkable for all residents.