State Police Troop T and the Thruway Authority announced increased patrols along the New York State Thruway during ‘Operation Work Brake’ beginning Monday, April 22, 2019. The annual campaign cracks down on speeding motorists and aggressive driving before, in and around highway construction and work zones.
The week-long campaign will run through Friday, April 26.
Roadside crews across the state work alongside highway-speed traffic and face constant dangers every day in work zones. Motorists who speed, drive distracted or are simply careless when traveling in a work zone pose a great safety risk to highway workers and other drivers.
“As part of our mission, state police continues our commitment to ensure the roadways are safe for those traveling and working on our highways, especially now that construction season is upon us,” said Major Douglas R. Keyer Jr., Troop Commander of Troop T. “During ‘Operation Work Brake,’ troopers will be out in full force and highly visible. This campaign is designed to concentrate our efforts in and around work zones to raise awareness to the dangers of workers and equipment in and near the roadway.
“Strict enforcement and partnering with the media contributes to that awareness. Driving in a work zone requires a driver’s full and complete attention. Drivers can do their part by obeying posted speed limits, staying off electronic devices and being on the lookout for workers and equipment in work zones.”
“Our maintenance forces are working along fast-moving traffic each day to ensure the roads are safe for everyone,” said Thruway Authority Executive Director Matthew J. Driscoll. “Their lives depend on drivers being alert, and it is essential that motorists eliminate distractions, pay attention to driving and safely move over for workers. Our partnership with Troop T protects our employees and all drivers on our roadway.”
Following the Work Zone Safety Act of 2005, Troop T created ‘Operation Work Brake.’ The goal of this operation is to make motorists aware of the presence of workers in construction zones and to reduce the number of hazardous violations in and around work zones.
During last year’s campaign, Troop T issued more than 2,360 total tickets. More than 1,269 were for speed-related violations in and around active work zones.