Hochul announces state police traffic safety campaign during Thanksgiving weekend
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul recently announced that the New York State Police and local law enforcement agencies will participate in a special traffic safety initiative to prevent unsafe driving behaviors as the winter holiday season kicks off.
The Thanksgiving weekend initiative runs through Monday, Nov. 28.
“Thanksgiving is traditionally one of the busiest travel times of the year, and our top priority is to make sure everyone gets to and from their destinations safely,” Hochul said. “There is zero tolerance for drunk and impaired drivers who risk the lives of everyone on our roadways. If your Thanksgiving celebrations include alcohol, plan for a safe ride home with a sober driver.”
In an effort to ease travel during the busy Thanksgiving weekend, temporary lane closures for road and bridge construction projects on New York State highways will be suspended beginning at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 23 through 6 a.m. on Monday, November 28. Motorists are advised that some work may continue behind permanent concrete barriers for emergency repairs. The construction suspension aligns with New York State’s Driver’s First initiative, which prioritizes the convenience of motorists to minimize traffic congestion and travel delays due to road and bridge work.
“As motorists drive throughout the state to see their family and friends during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, we encourage them to make safe driving practices their top priority. Impaired and aggressive driving, speeding, not using safety restraints and texting while driving all cause scores of senseless injuries and deaths. The State Police is committed to making our roadways safer and together, we can make sure everyone has a safe and happy Thanksgiving,” New York State Police Acting Superintendent Steven A. Nigrelli said.
“We want all those traveling to see family and friends to make it to their destination safely and that is done by avoiding reckless and impaired driving. Driving impaired puts you, your passengers, and all those on the road in danger. Prevent a tragic event this Thanksgiving by driving sober,” The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee Chair and Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Mark J. F. Schroeder commented.
“Our roads are especially busy during Thanksgiving, and in order to make travel easier and safer for everyone, we will be suspending construction activities through the holiday weekend as law enforcement agencies focus their efforts on road safety measures. We all want to get to our family gatherings and other celebrations safely, which is why we need motorists to do their part and exercise good judgment behind the wheel. This means following the rules of the road, avoiding impaired or distracted driving, and not looking at your phone. Being responsible and alert while driving is a good way to show thankfulness for public safety and for everyone’s personal safety,” State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez remarked.
“The Thanksgiving holiday is one of the busiest travel times of the year and we urge motorists to drive safely, slow down and Move Over when they see emergency and maintenance vehicles on the road. When drivers make unsafe decisions behind the wheel, they put lives at risk. We thank New York State Police for partnering with us to keep the Thruway one of the safest superhighways in the nation,” New York State Thruway Authority Executive Director Matthew J. Driscoll added.
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