New York State troopers issued 68 traffic tickets in just several hours during a work zone enforcement operation on the Southern State Parkway on Monday, July 20.
The enforcement detail was conducted by State Police Troop L as part of Operation Hard Hat, an initiative targeting dangerous driving in active highway work zones.
Of the 68 tickets issued, 33 were for speeding, police said.
Operation Hard Hat places additional troopers in and around work zones to protect highway workers, emergency personnel and motorists. Police said the number of violations documented during the brief enforcement period demonstrates the continued danger faced by people working along state roadways.
State Police urged drivers to reduce their speed, remain alert and follow traffic directions when approaching active construction areas.
Police also reminded motorists that New York’s Move Over Law applies to all vehicles stopped along a roadway or shoulder. Drivers approaching a stopped vehicle must exercise due care to avoid a collision, which can include changing lanes when it is safe to do so.
Motorists who drive dangerously around work zones or stopped vehicles risk receiving tickets or being arrested, in addition to potentially causing a serious or fatal crash, police said.
State Police said work zone enforcement efforts will continue as part of the agency’s efforts to protect highway workers and travelers.
Photo credit: New York State Police
