New York State Police launched a high-visibility enforcement effort Wednesday that will run through Sunday that’s focused on speeding, aggressive driving, distracted driving, and the “Move Over Law”. The goal of this initiative is to reinforce safe driving habits as the spring and summer months approach.
One of the mission priorities of the New York State Police (NYSP) is to ensure highway safety by making the roads safe for all users. This initiative will focus on the traffic safety threat of unsafe speed on New York roadways through enforcement and education efforts. The goal is to reduce injuries, property damage, and the loss of life caused by motor vehicle crashes through vehicle and traffic enforcement and education. According to the latest data from a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) report, in 2022, there were 34,658 speed-related crashes, 336 of which resulted in a fatality. Thus, on New York roadways in 2022, speed was a contributing factor in 31 percent of all traffic fatalities
Distracted driving also frequently referred to as “driver inattention,” is one of the leading causes of crashes in New York State. In 2022 there were 3,308 people killed and nearly 290,000 people injured in traffic crashes involving distracted drivers.
Consider these tips for safe driving:
• If you have to text, pull over to a safe location and park your car — only then should you read or send the text message.
• Distracted driving isn’t just texting, scrolling through social media, or messaging while driving is distracted driving too.
• Appoint your passenger as the “designated texter” to respond to calls or messages.
• Activate your phone’s “Do Not Disturb” feature, silence notifications, or put your phone away in the trunk so you won’t be tempted to respond.
• Speak up if you see someone texting and driving and ask them to put their phone away.
New York’s Move Over Law
As soon as you see lights, vests, or reflectors, check traffic around you, SLOW DOWN, and MOVE OVER if safe to do so. Drivers MUST use due care when approaching an emergency vehicle or hazard vehicle including police vehicles, fire trucks, ambulances, construction and maintenance vehicles, and tow trucks. In 2023, the Move Over Law was expanded, requiring drivers to exercise due care to avoid all vehicles stopped on the roadway, including by changing lanes.
