(New York) – New York State has announced law enforcement agencies throughout the state will be increasing patrols to target speeding now till August 21. Speed Awareness week is a high-visibility enforcement campaign supported by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee to cutdown on speeding and prevent avoidable crashes caused by unsafe speed.
According to preliminary data from the Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research at the University at Albany’s Rockefeller College, unsafe speed was a contributing factor in 353 fatal crashes in 2021, compared to 317 fatal crashes in 2020 — an 11 percent increase. The 353 fatal crashes last year resulted in 389 deaths including drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
During last year’s Speed Awareness Week, law enforcement throughout the state issued 23,087 tickets for speeding and 32,170 tickets for other vehicle and traffic law violations, including impaired and distracted driving.
Throughout the enforcement campaign, a “Speed Catches Up With You” public service announcement will be airing on broadcast and cable networks statewide, highlighting the penalty for speeding. Additionally, the Department of Transportation will have Variable Message Signs alerting motorists to the dangers of speeding.
Data shows fatal crashes in New York caused by unsafe speed increase during the summer months, with the highest totals in June through October. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speed was a contributing factor in 29 percent of all traffic fatalities nationally in 2020. Additionally, NHTSA says speeding causes:
- Greater potential for loss of vehicle control
- Reduced effectiveness of occupant protection equipment
- Increased stopping distance after the driver perceives a danger
- Increased degree of crash severity leading to more severe injuries
Increased fuel consumption/cost
