The New York State Police in Troop E announced the results of Ope...

Press Release

The New York State Police in Troop E announced the results of Operation Hard Hat. Through the ongoing initiative, troopers have worked with the New York State Department of Transportation and the New York State Thruway Authority to crack down on work zone violations and highlight the importance of safe driving when encountering construction, maintenance, and emergency operations along state highways.

In 2023, the Troop E Traffic Incident Management Unit (TIMS) demonstrated their unwavering dedication by spending 2,524 hours in and around work zones within the New York State Department of Transportation Region 4. Their vigilance led to the issuance of 354 traffic infractions in the State Route 104 corridor alone, including 206 for speeding, 9 for seatbelt violations, 4 for handheld device use, and 2 for Driving While Intoxicated.

During the Troop E Region 4 Operation Hard Hat on April 16, 2024, members of the TIM unit dressed as Department of Transportation Construction workers, and conducted an Operation Hard Hat detail. Members issued tickets to motorists passing through the work site. Sixty-six traffic infractions were issued during a four-hour period on Interstate 390 in the town of Brighton, Monroe County. Sixty were issued for speed with a top speed of 106 m.p.h.

Recognizing and understanding signs leading up to and within a work zone is essential for the safety of all drivers and roadside workers. Motorists are reminded that fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone, and in accordance with the Work Zone Safety Act of 2005, convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual's driver's license. More work zone safety tips can be found at www.ny.gov/workzone.

Maintenance crews across the state work alongside fast-moving traffic each day, knowing their lives depend on drivers being alert, patient, and cautious. It is critically important that motorists eliminate distractions and pay attention to driving, while slowing down and moving over for workers.

Throughout construction season, maintenance and work crews are out on the road performing repairs and improvements to ensure roads are safe for motorists. All travelers should be prepared to reduce speeds and to be alert when passing through work zones.