Latest news with #MarkSchieldrop
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Yahoo
AAA forecasts record road trips ahead of Memorial Day weekend
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – AAA has released their Memorial Day traffic forecast, and it looks to be busy. Climate change increases rainfall amounts in western Massachusetts AAA is expecting a record-setting number of people to travel more than 50 miles for the holiday. Over 45 million people will travel by road, plane, or rail to get to their destination. The travel period lasts from May 22nd to May 26th. AAA is expecting more than 87% of those travelers to be making road trips, and they are already advising people to hit the road early in the day. The busy travel will start on Thursday, and you want to be on the road before noon that day. The earlier the better applies to the weekend as well, but by Monday, roads aren't expected to be at their busiest until after 4:00 p.m. Boston is one of the top 10 destinations for holiday travel, so if you're headed east, expect some extra traffic. 'Despite concerns over rising prices, many Americans are planning to take advantage of the holiday, even if the trips are closer to home,' said Mark Schieldrop, senior spokesperson for AAA Northeast. 'Long holiday weekend getaways don't have to be extravagant, and having a day off from work and school allows many families to take that much-anticipated road trip.' WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
AAA warns of increased motorcycle fatalities amidst upcoming warmer weather
It's safe to say that colder weather is finally behind Englanders, and with that in mind, everyone is getting out and embracing the warmth. However, this brings a large uptick in fatal crashes involving motorcycles. Data from the last decade, from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), has been analyzed by AAA Northeast and revealed that nearly 60% of motorcycle fatalities happen between the months of May and September. NHTSA data also showed that those fatalities began to spike by 32% from April to May as the warmer weather ramps up, and accidents only continue to go up. In 2023, 6,335 motorcyclists were killed, resulting in 15% of all traffic fatalities, according to NHTSA. The highest number of motorcyclists killed since 1975, the earliest year for which that data was tracked. 'The continued increase in motorcyclist fatalities is especially troubling given that most categories of traffic fatalities decreased from 2022 to 2023, while motorcyclist deaths continued their dangerous climb,' said Mark Schieldrop, senior spokesperson for AAA Northeast. 'As we all take to the roads more frequently during warmer weather, drivers must keep in mind that staying alert and aware is critical to improving safety, especially as motorcycles can be more difficult to see because of their size.' According to the Massachusetts IMPACT data portal, last year, there were a reported 65 fatal crashes that involved motorcycles in Massachusetts. To ensure the safety of motorcyclists, AAA is offering these tips to drivers: Increase following distance and take extra care when driving behind a motor, especially when stopping or accelerating. Carefully check mirrors and blind spots for motorcycles, which are less visible than other vehicles on the road. If a motorcyclist has their turn signal on, wait to make sure they actually turn before passing them. The turn signals on many motorcycles do not turn off automatically, so there's a chance they could be activated from an earlier turn. Never drive distracted. At 55 mph, taking your eyes off the road for just 5 seconds is equivalent to driving the length of an entire football field blindfolded. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Yahoo
Demand for Real IDs surge, officials warn of May 7 deadline
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – The RMV and AAA are seeing a rush of people looking to grab their Real ID ahead of the May 7th deadline. There's a big demand for Real IDs as TSA urges people to get one by May 7th when they begin enforcing it. The ID is marked with a gold star in the right corner to let airport security know the person went through extra security and verification. But AAA experts say this doesn't mean people only have until May 7th to get one. Adding that the deadline has caused some confusion among those rushing to get one. This has led to an increased demand at local RMVs and all AAA branches across the state. Mark Schieldrop with AAA Northeast told 22News, 'I think some people feel a little panicked or a sense of urgency. They need to get their Real ID before the deadline. There's been plenty of time to get a Real ID. It's not going away anytime soon. So, unless you immediately have to fly right after May 7, you can wait until things calm down a little bit.' Schieldrop says if you wait, you won't have to worry about beating the crowds. You'll also be able to pick a convenient time or appointment that works. Adding it will also allow those with immediate travel plans to maybe get a slot since slots are occasionally opening up. AAA says they should begin to see even more appointments to open up after May 13th. However, a spokesperson with MassDOT says if a person needs a REAL ID soon, because they are traveling by airplane on May 7, it is unlikely at this time that the customer will receive the credential in time for the travel. Since it can take 10 to 14 business days from the day of their appointment to receive their RMV credential in the mail. The Registry is currently accepting walk-ins for REAL ID transactions at all service centers when availability permits. Before coming in to be helped, residents must check to see that they have the federally required documents to get a REAL ID compliant RMV credential. Those who don't have a Real ID by May 7th can show a U.S. Passport. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
AAA warns of rising motorcycle deaths this summer
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – As the weather warms up, AAA Northeast is cautioning drivers to stay alert this summer and check their blind spots as more motorcycles hit the road. According to AAA, as of 2024, the U.S. has seen the highest number of motorcycle deaths in decades, with 65 lives lost in Massachusetts. Experts say a majority of these incidents happen between May and September, and involve a motorcyclist struck by a driver who did not see them. Mark Schieldrop with AAA Northeast, tells 22News, 'We've seen a lot of bad driving behavior out there, so as a result, we are going to see an increase in crashes and fatalities that we see in passenger cars also when it comes to motorcyclists.' AAA urges all motorists to practice safe driving behaviors—and motorcyclists to always use a helmet. The CDC says helmets are nearly 40% effective in preventing death, and 70% preventing a head injury. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Yahoo
One month left to apply for a Real ID, required for domestic air travel
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – Time is running out if you plan on traveling in a month but don't have a Real ID. All air travelers 18 years and older will need a Real ID-compliant driver's license for domestic air travel and to enter certain federal facilities. The indicator on a Real ID card is a star to designate that it is federally compliant. According to the TSA, once enforcement begins, travelers who do not have a Real ID or another acceptable form of ID can expect delays when they arrive at a TSA security checkpoint. The length of the delay will be determined by the number of other travelers who do not have a Real ID or identification accepted by TSA. However, there are other forms of ID you can use in the meantime. Mark Schieldrop with AAA Northeast told 22News, 'If you have a valid U.S. passport, then you are all set. Military IDs, merchant mariner identification, there are other few uncommon forms of identification you can use for the most part most people are just going to need that passport.' Here's what you can do to apply: Make an in-person appointment at an RMV service center, or AAA branch if you are a member You'll need documents proving your identity: One proving you're in the U.S. legally One proving your full 9-digit social security number and two proving you live in Massachusetts You can start the application online According to AAA, they have been booking out as far as two weeks for Real ID appointments,so do not wait if you have travel plans in May. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
