Troopers will be targeting speeding and aggressive drivers during a weeklong initiative aimed at creating safer roadways.
State Police will hold a “Speed Week” campaign from Thursday, April 17, through the following Thursday, which focuses on increased enforcement of speeding and aggressive driving violations. The campaign, along with year-round enforcement, seeks to reduce speed-related crashes and improve traffic safety. Speeding, along with other violations, will be “heavily enforced” during the campaign, according to police.
“Drivers can prevent needless deaths and injuries by simply slowing down,” State Police Superintendent Joseph D’Amico said in a statement. “Our troopers are out there on New York roadways doing their part to keep the streets safe, and the public can, too. By following posted speed limits and watching their speed, drivers will increase their chances of making it to their destination safely.”
State Police said aggressive driving behaviors being targeted include:
- Excessive speed
- Frequent or unsafe lane changes
- Failure to signal
- Tailgating
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Disregarding traffic controls
- Impaired driving
- Cell phone or electronic device use
Drivers should expect more troopers on major highways during the campaign, along with unmarked patrol vehicles.
State Police during the prior “Speed Week” in August, officers issued more than 9,600 tickets. Speeding fines range from $45 to $975 and three to 11 points, according to police.
Speeding motorists are a leading cause of deaths on roadways, police said, which on average accounts for one-third of fatal crashes annually.
`Too often families are forced to endure needless heartache as a result of reckless driving,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a statement. “During ‘Speed Week,’ the State Police will be out in force across New York cracking down on drivers who break the law, putting themselves and others at risk. This week and every week, I urge drivers to slow down and adhere to the vital and lifesaving rules of the road.”
During the campaign police will also be looking to unsure drivers and passengers are properly buckled, drivers are adhering to the state’s “Move Over Law” and drivers are not distracted or impaired.
Recently adopted laws also increase the penalties for young drivers texting-while-driving and being distracted. Young and new drivers convicted of distracted driving will have their license suspended for 120 days on the first offense; after a second conviction their license is revoked for at least one year.
State Police offered tips when encountering an aggressive driver:
- Remain calm
- Keep your distance
- Do not pass unless you have to
- Change lanes once it is safe (don’t jump lanes without looking)
State Police noted there is a difference between aggressive driving and what’s known as “road rage,” which involves using a vehicle as a weapon or physically assaulting a driver or vehicle. These road rage incidents are criminal offenses, police said.