"Through Operation Hardhat, we continue to aggressively
crack down on work zone violators who put our highway workers in harm's
way," Governor Cuomo said.
"Essential transportation projects and ongoing maintenance
activities to keep our highways safe are underway across New York State, and
for the safety of our highway workers everyone is obligated to follow the speed
limit in work zones and eliminate distractions on the road."
Already in 2020, New York State Police have conducted 37
separate details at DOT and Thruway-operated work zones beginning in July that
are expected to continue through November. A total of 1,222 tickets have been
issued, including:
Speeding - 432
Seatbelts - 112
Cell Phone - 192
Move Over - 68
Failure to Obey Flagger - 2
Failure to Obey Traffic Control Device - 10
DWI - 1
Unsafe lane change - 2
Other violations - 403
Additional "Operation Hardhat" enforcement details
are currently being scheduled with State Troopers patrolling active highway
work zones throughout at locations along interstates and other state highways
where maintenance and construction activities are underway.
Under "Operation Hardhat" State Troopers are
present within the work zones, dressed as highway maintenance workers, to
identify motorists who disobey flagging personnel, speed through the work zone
or violate the state's Move Over Law, which applies to both emergency and
maintenance vehicles.
Additionally, the State Department of Transportation has
already partnered with five local law enforcement agencies on separate
"Operation Hardhat" initiatives in 2020, including the Utica Police
Department, the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, Livingston County Sheriff's
Office, Wyoming County Sheriff's Office, and the Schuyler County Sheriff's
Office. Separately, these operations
have resulted in 180 tickets issued to motorists, including tickets for
speeding, seatbelt violations, cell phone/electronic device use, expired
inspections, among other violations.
