Governor Kathy Hochul has announced today that law enforcement agencies across New York State will be stepping up patrols from September 9 to 14. The main objective of this initiative is to tackle the issue of speeding, which is considered one of the most perilous driving offenses. Known as Speed Awareness Week, this campaign aims to increase visibility and is backed by funding from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. The ultimate goal is to curb speeding and prevent unnecessary accidents caused by unsafe driving speeds.
“Speeding is against the law and the consequences can be dangerous. According to Governor Hochul, campaigns like this are crucial because not all drivers comply with the speed limits. Safe driving goes beyond simply following the rules; it is about safeguarding the lives of all individuals on the road. By intensifying patrols and prioritizing speeding violations, we are taking proactive measures to create safer streets for everyone. During Speed Awareness Week, let us make a commitment to drive responsibly and contribute to the safety of our communities. Each ticket serves as a reminder that our speed matters, and our well-being is the top priority.”
According to the Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research (ITSMR) at the University at Albany’s Rockefeller College, the number of crashes involving unsafe speed has decreased since 2022. However, despite this decline, the number of individuals killed or injured in these crashes has actually increased. In 2022, there were a total of 34,658 crashes in New York, resulting in 18,153 fatalities or injuries. This number rose to 33,844 crashes and 18,833 fatalities or injuries in 2023.
According to Mark J.F. Schroeder, the Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles and Chair of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, it is crucial for everyone to adhere to traffic laws and maintain safe speeds while driving. He emphasizes that speeding is entirely preventable but unfortunately, it has become a common practice among drivers. The purpose of this campaign is to serve as a reminder of the immense danger associated with speeding and to ensure that those who exceed speed limits are held responsible for their actions.
“Speeding poses a significant risk and leads to numerous fatalities and severe injuries annually,” emphasized New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James. He urged all drivers to prioritize attentiveness, adhere to speed limits, and actively contribute to the prevention of speed-related accidents. Superintendent James also emphasized the ongoing commitment of the New York State Police and their collaboration with other law enforcement agencies to ensure the utmost safety on the roads.”
The City of Batavia Police Chief and President of the New York State Association of Chiefs of Police, Shawn Heubusch, emphasizes the importance of adhering to speed limits during the upcoming Speed Awareness Week. He reminds us that these limits exist with one purpose in mind – to ensure our safety and the safety of others. As the President of the New York State Association of Chiefs of Police, Heubusch urges all drivers to remain within the designated speed limits, remain vigilant, and contribute to safer roads across New York State. By working together, we can reduce accidents and save lives. It is crucial to slow down and drive responsibly.
During Speed Awareness Week campaigns in June and August last year, law enforcement authorities issued a total of 27,372 speeding tickets, 2,738 tickets for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, 4,545 tickets for distracted driving, and over 80,000 tickets for various other violations of vehicle and traffic laws.
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- Greater potential for loss of vehicle control;
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- Reduced effectiveness of occupant protection equipment;
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- Increased stopping distance after the driver perceives a danger;
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- Increased degree of crash severity leading to more severe injuries; and,
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- Increased fuel consumption/cost.