The New York State Police joined the Department of Transportation on Tuesday in Tioga County, NY, for “Operation Hardhat”. The agencies worked together to target reckless and distracted drivers in work zones.
The initiative took place in an active work zone on State Route 17 in the town of Nichols. The right lane of State Route 17 in the eastbound direction was shut down for DOT workers to perform tree removal along the busy highway.
During the initiative, a trooper was embedded in the work zone and dressed as a DOT worker. The trooper watched for vehicle and traffic violations, including speeding, operating a cellphone, not wearing a seatbelt or failing to follow the “Move Over” Law.
A total of 13 tickets were issued:
- Speeding – 2
- Cellphone – 3
- No Seatbelt – 2
- Move Over Law – 1
- Other – 5
Motorists are urged to drive responsibly in work zones. Oftentimes the speed limit is reduced in work zones, please follow the postage signage. Move over a lane, when it is safe to do so or whenever encountering maintenance workers along the side of the road or a vehicle displaying red, white, blue, amber or green lights.
Last year, 1,770 tickets were issued by State Police throughout New York. As a reminder, speeding fines are doubled in work zones and two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of your driver’s license.
The initiative continues throughout the construction season.
