The New York State Police has increased patrols on Route 17 this week, and will continue to do so throughout the summer as traffic gets heavy. The Times Herald Record reported the following today:
Goshen, NY – Who needed a press conference? The evidence was right below the Route 207 overpass of Route 17 Tuesday afternoon.
Just before Exit 124 on the westbound shoulder, a trooper had pulled over an SUV. On the eastbound shoulder just before the exit, another trooper had flagged down a truck.
The state Department of Transportation and state police’s annual message is out: Drive aggressively on Route 17 and you could be making an involuntary donation to Albany and the local court.
Troopers are running dedicated patrols of the highway throughout this week and random patrols as traffic swells during the summer.
What’s aggressive driving? Things like tailgating, unsafe lane changes, using cell phones without a hands-free device. And, of course, speeding, which made up more than 43 percent of the 10,000 tickets for moving violations that troopers issued on Route 17 in Orange County over the past year, said state police Troop F commander Maj. Edward Raso.
“Even as a civilian, you’ll know (aggressive driving) when you see it,” Raso said from behind the portable podium on the shoulder of the Route 207 overpass. “We’ve all witnessed it.
“We’re not looking to blindside anyone,” he continued, pointing out that troopers handled 105 accidents on Route 17 over the past year. “The idea is to modify behavior and reduce accidents.”
With that, the press conference ended. Then, state DOT regional director Joan Dupont excitedly pointed two fingers out over the highway below.
“Two more, two more!” Dupont cried.
On each side of the highway flashed the lights of yet another state police vehicle, each with another snagged motorist.
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One Response
It is hypocritical to say “Beware” the police are enforcing traffic safety laws, and then turn around and act as if traffic accidents are anything other than self-inflicted.