Madison County Sheriff Allen Riley was recently notified by the New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, that the Madison County Sheriff’s Office has been awarded a Traffic Safety Grant in the amount of $25,513. This grant provides for the continued funding of the Traffic Safety Coordinator, who reports to the Sheriff.
The Traffic Safety Coordinator administers all traffic safety grants awarded to the Sheriff’s Office along with providing additional traffic safety programs, such as bicycle rodeos, accident analysis, additional informational support to county residents and the local DMV office throughout the year. In addition, the Coordinator is a sitting member of the Madison County Traffic Safety Board, ensuring critical safety information is exchanged between other Board members, participating agencies, and the Sheriff.
One key component of the Traffic Safety Coordinator’s position is overseeing funds allocated for slow moving vehicle education and distracted driving awareness.“These two issues are paramount in Madison County,” stated Sheriff Riley. “Our population is largely rural and agricultural, so slow moving vehicles (farm
“These two issues are paramount in Madison County,” stated Sheriff Riley. “Our population is largely rural and agricultural, so slow moving vehicles (farm equipment) are on our roadways daily, particularly at this time of year. We also have a large population of Amish in various communities around the County, and drivers must constantly be aware of horse and buggies on our roads.”
On distracted driving, Riley noted: “zero tolerance in Madison County, period. Do not use your cell phones or other electronic devices, and don’t text while driving. If you do, be prepared for steep fines and five driver violation points on your license.” In 2014 alone, 3,179 people were killed in distracted driving crashes and an almost 431,000 were injured. “We’re really focusing on younger drivers” the Sheriff continued. “Nearly ten percent of all drivers 15 to 19 years old involved in fatal crashes were reported as distracted at the time of the crashes. This age group has the largest proportion of drivers who were distracted at the time of the crashes. At any given moment during the day, more than 660,000 vehicles are being driven by someone using a hand-held cell phone. This is terribly alarming.”
Riley continued by stating “we still need to be reminded that seat belts save lives. Buckling up is required by law for a reason. Seal belts work – they save lives. In 2014, seat belts saved an estimated 12,802 lives. Unfortunately, half of occupants killed in crashes during 2014 were unbelted parents, sons, daughters, co-workers, and friends. Take five seconds before you start your car and click your seatbelt.”
More information on traffic safety programs, can be found on the Sheriff’s webpage at www.madisoncounty.ny.gov/Sheriff/traffic_safety1