Columbus Day weekend speeding, impaired driver enforcement
ALBANY, N.Y. » Governor Andrew Cuomo announced New York State Police will conduct special traffic enforcement efforts throughout Columbus Day weekend to crack down on speeding and impaired motorists.
The Columbus Day campaign began on Friday, Oct. 11 and continues through Monday, Oct. 14.
Increased traffic volume is anticipated during this weekend due to the holiday weekend and fall tourism, which poses additional risks on our roadways. This enforcement detail will take place in the North Country (Troop B), Central NY (Troop D), Catskills (Troop F), and the Capital Region (Troop G).
This special enforcement detail is funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee.
“The tragic consequences of impaired driving can be avoided if we all make smart decisions,” Governor Cuomo said. “We will not tolerate speeding and reckless driving for a very simple reason: it’s illegal and it puts everyone at risk. As State Police ramp up enforcement this weekend, I urge all New Yorkers to be extra careful and drive safely.”
DMV Commissioner and Chair of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee Mark J.F. Schroeder believes in accident prevention.
“Most crashes are not accidents. Speeding and driving while impaired or distracted are some of the most dangerous things you can do behind the wheel, and all are avoidable. Don’t become a statistic— have a plan to get home safely, follow the posted speed limits, put down your phone, and make this a memorable holiday weekend for the right reasons,” Schroeder said.
Motorists who are traveling this weekend can also expect a number of sobriety checkpoints and additional DWI pa
trols. Law enforcement will also be looking for motorists who are using their phones and other electronic devices while behind the wheel. Drivers should also remember to move over for stopped emergency and hazard vehicles stopped on the side of the road.
Troopers will be using both marked State Police vehicles and Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement vehicles as part of the crackdown in order to more easily identify motorists who are violating the law. CITE vehicles allow the trooper to better observe driving violations. These vehicles blend in with every day traffic but are unmistakable as emergency vehicles once the emergency lighting is activated.
State Police are reminding all motorists to be safe, don’t drink and drive, stay off your mobile phones while driving, drive the speed limit, and buckle up all occupants. The main goal of this initiative is to deter unsafe driving behaviors and raise awareness of the importance of traffic safety.