New York State Police issued 101 tickets during a recent Operation Hard Hat enforcement detail along the New York State Thruway in Erie County.
The 10-hour operation took place on Wednesday in active work zones in the towns of Cheektowaga, Hamburg, and West Seneca. Troopers focused on drivers who were speeding or committing other traffic violations in construction areas.
Of the 101 tickets issued, 70 were for speeding. State Police said 10 percent of those drivers were traveling at least 20 miles per hour over the posted work zone speed limit.
Additional violations included 12 seatbelt citations, one Move Over Law violation, one citation for using a cell phone or electronic device while driving, and 17 other vehicle and traffic law violations.
Operation Hard Hat uses plainclothes troopers posing as construction workers in clearly marked work zones. When violations are observed, nearby uniformed troopers stop and ticket the offending drivers.
State Police said reducing crashes and fatalities on the Thruway remains a top priority. In 2025, there were 228 crashes in Thruway work zones that resulted in 28 injuries, the highest number recorded since 2020.
Authorities say speeding, distracted driving, following too closely, unsafe lane changes, and failure to obey warning signs and flaggers are among the leading causes of work zone crashes.
State Police say similar enforcement details will continue throughout the 2026 construction season to improve safety for highway workers and motorists.
