Speeding crack down

Throughout New York state, police will be cracking down on speeding on state and local roadways.

In 2016, August was the deadliest month for speedrelated crashes in New York state, claiming 39 lives. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says 3 out of every 10 drivers are selfprofessed speeders.

During last year’s enforcement campaign, which was funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, GTSC, New York State Police issued 21,148 tickets. New York State Troopers issued 9,205 tickets for speeding, 348 for distracted driving and arrested 234 people for driving while impaired. State Police also responded to 268 personal injury crashes, which resulted in five fatalities and 393 people injured.

Speeding played a factor in 27 percent of fatal crashes across the country, according to an analysis of 2016 data by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. In New York, the data showed speeding was a factor in 31 percent of the 1,025 fatal crashes. A total of 314 people

lost their lives in these preventable collisions.

“GTSC is proud to again sponsor this enforcement campaign because reducing crashes and keeping motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists safe is why we exist,” said Terri Egan, executive deputy commissioner of the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles and acting GTSC chair. “The best way to avoid a ticket, fines and points on your license is to obey the signs and stay within the legal limits.”

“Studies have shown speeding kills. During this campaign, and year round, we will work to reduce this kind of dangerous driving,” New York State Police Superintendent George P. Beach II said. “We want drivers to slow down, put the electronic devices away and pay attention out on our roads. Attentive, responsible, defensive driving is the key to avoiding crashes and keeping our roads and highways safe for all that travel them.”

“On behalf of the New York State Sheriffs, my solution to stop speeding is simply,” Wayne County Sheriff Barry C. Virts, president of theNewYorkState Sheriffs Association, said. “Drive as if it was your neighborhood thinking of the safety of your children, grandchildren and/or yourself. Slow down and arrive alive.”

“Our law enforcement agencies are unified in supporting the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee’s Speed Awareness Week Enforcement Mobilization that will take place the first week of August,” Baldwinsville Police Chief Michael Lefancheck, immediate past president of the New York State Association of Chiefs of Police, said. “It’s unfortunate that despite extensive statewide enforcement efforts, speed continues to be a predominate factor in traffic crashes, accounting for 31 percent of all traffic fatalities. Collaborative and dedicated traffic safety campaigns like this that combine strong traffic safety awareness messaging and high-visibility enforcement efforts is a recipe for success in addressing this deadly problem; this also enhances existing programs in making roadways safer for everyone. So please remember during this mobilization, and throughout the year, to slow down and obey the sign or pay the fine.”

For more information about traffic safety in New York State, visit the GTSC website at www.safeny. ny.gov.