Ahead of Labor Day Weekend, Governor Hochul Announces Safe Driving Campaign

 

New York State Police and Local Law Enforcement to Target Impaired and Reckless Drivers With Extra Patrols Through the Holiday Weekend

Gas Prices in New York Have Declined by 9.5 Percent Compared to Labor Day Weekend 2023

Thruway Authority, Department of Transportation to Suspend Road Work Ahead of Anticipated Record Travel

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that State Police and local law enforcement will be cracking down on impaired and reckless driving by increasing patrols and check points during Labor Day weekend. The enforcement period begins on Friday, August 30, 2024, and runs through Monday, September 2, 2024. Additionally, with the price of gas down 9.5 percent compared to last Labor Day Weekend, record travel is anticipated and roadway construction is being suspended on major state roads.

“We want all New Yorkers to wrap up the summer by enjoying Labor Day weekend and making memories,” Governor Hochul said. “Avoiding crashes, serious injuries and fatalities is simple; stay sober, stay alert and obey the speed limit.”

Enforcement Mobilization

Drivers can expect to see sobriety checkpoints and increased patrols by State Police and local law enforcement agencies during this holiday weekend. Troopers will be using both marked State Police vehicles and Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement (CITE) vehicles as part of this crackdown to more easily identify motorists who are violating the law. CITE vehicles allow the Trooper to better observe driving violations. These vehicles blend in with everyday traffic but are unmistakable as emergency vehicles once the emergency lighting is activated.

On Labor Day weekend in 2023, law enforcement officers statewide arrested 988 people for DWI and issued 28,856 total tickets.

The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee urges drivers to use the STOP-DWI Have a Plan app to help find a safe way home. The free app allows users to designate a driver, call a cab or rideshare, and to review the consequences of impaired driving. Users can even use the app to report a drunk or drugged driver. The app is available for Apple, Android and Windows smartphones.

Motorists are also reminded to follow the state’s Move Over Law, which was expanded in March. Under the expanded law, all drivers must slow down and move over when safe to do so for all vehicles stopped along the roadway.

Construction Projects Suspended

Labor Day weekend traditionally results in heavy traffic throughout the state. To help ease travel during the busy holiday weekend, temporary lane closures for road and bridge construction projects on New York State highways will be suspended beginning 6 a.m. on Friday, August 30 to 6 a.m. on Tuesday, September 3.

Motorists should be aware some work may continue behind permanent concrete barriers or for emergency repairs. The construction suspension aligns with New York State’s Drivers First Initiative, which prioritizes the convenience of motorists to minimize traffic congestion and travel delays due to road and bridge work.

The Thruway Authority reminds motorists that while 19 service areas are open, eight are closed and under construction as part of the $450 million redevelopment project. Fuel services remain open at all locations. Motorists can view the service areas and plan their stops on the Thruway Authority's website and on the free mobile app, which is available to download for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app also provides motorists direct access to real-time traffic and navigation assistance while on the go. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert emails, which provide the latest conditions along the Thruway.

Text stops, including park-and-ride facilities, rest stops, service areas and parking areas along state highways support the state's effort to reduce distracted driving. All text stops will remain open, providing locations where drivers can safely and conveniently use their phones and other mobile devices for calling, texting, navigating and accessing mobile apps. Texting while driving is especially dangerous, as it requires motorists to take their eyes off the road, hands off the wheel and mind off driving.

Travelers can also check NYSDOT's 511NY before traveling by calling 5-1-1, visiting the 511 website, or downloading the free 511NY mobile app on iTunes or Google Play. The free service allows users to check road conditions, view 2,219 traffic cameras and link to air and transit information. The app features Drive mode, which provides audible alerts along a chosen route while a user is driving, warning them about incidents and construction.