New York State is increasing law enforcement patrols and suspending most highway construction work as part of a statewide effort to improve road safety and reduce congestion during the Independence Day holiday weekend.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced that state and local police will step up enforcement targeting impaired, reckless and aggressive driving from 29 June through 5 July. The campaign is funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee.
Temporary lane closures for road and bridge construction on state highways will also be suspended from 6 a.m. on 2 July until 6 a.m. on 6 July to help ease traffic during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Emergency repairs and work behind permanent barriers may continue where necessary.
Authorities said officers across the state will conduct sobriety checkpoints and focus on speeding, distracted driving and other dangerous behaviour throughout the holiday period.
During last year’s Independence Day enforcement campaign, law enforcement agencies issued 49,843 traffic citations, including 1,563 charges for driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs. Officers also issued 612 tickets for violations of the state’s Move Over Law and 1,926 citations for distracted driving.
The Move Over Law requires motorists to slow down and change lanes, where possible, when approaching emergency vehicles, maintenance crews and other authorised vehicles stopped along the roadside.
State officials are also encouraging drivers to make use of designated text stops, including park and ride facilities, rest areas and service plazas, if they need to use a mobile phone while travelling.
All 27 service areas on the New York State Thruway will remain open throughout the holiday weekend. Motorists are also being encouraged to use the state’s 511 travel information service for real time updates on road conditions, traffic incidents and construction.
Officials urged travellers to plan ahead if consuming alcohol by arranging a designated driver, using public transport or booking a taxi or rideshare service, and encouraged the public to report suspected impaired drivers to law enforcement. They also reminded motorists to wear seat belts, observe speed limits and avoid distractions while driving.
