In an effort to reduce speed related crashes and improve safe travel for drivers and passengers on New York roads, the New York State Police will conduct a week-long enforcement initiative targeting speeding and aggressive drivers across the state.

The summer “Speed Week” campaign runs from August 6 through August 12, 2014, and coincides with the NASCAR racing event scheduled from August 7 – 10 at Watkins Glen International Raceway.

Speed remains one of the leading causes of fatalities on our roadways, averaging approximately one third of all fatal crashes from year to year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 42,000 people die as the result of traffic crashes each year on our nation’s highways, and hundreds of thousands are seriously injured.

“While fans enjoy the racing at Watkins Glen, that is where the speed should stay – on the racetrack,” New York State Police Superintendent Joseph A. D’Amico said. “The public can do their part to keep our streets safe simply by slowing down. We want everyone to make it to their destination safely and increase their chances of doing so by following New York State laws. Buckle your seatbelt, follow posted speed limits and put your electronic device down.”

Speeding by all vehicle types, as well as other traffic violations, will be heavily enforced throughout the week in addition to normal year-round enforcement.

Drivers can expect to see more troopers and unmarked patrol vehicles on major highways during this detail.

Troopers will also be watching for distracted or impaired drivers, vehicle occupants who are not properly buckled up, and drivers that are violating the “Move Over Law.”

If someone feels another driver is endangering the public on the road, they have the option of calling 911.

During the August 2013 Speed Week campaign, State Police issued nearly 25,000 traffic tickets. More than 9,000 of the tickets were for speeding and more than 2,300 were distracted driving related.

(YWN Desk – NYC)