NY State Police Target Aggressive Driving In Weeklong Crackdown
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- New York State Police are cracking down on speeding and aggressive driving with the start of "speed week" on Thursday.
The campaign runs from April 17 through April 24 in an effort to reduce speed-related crashes and improve safety for drivers across the state.
"Too often families are forced to endure needless heartache as a result of reckless driving," Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a statement.
NY State Police Target Aggressive Driving In Weeklong Crackdown
State troopers are targeting excessive speed, frequent or unsafe lane changes, failure to signal, tailgating, failure to yield the right of way and disregarding traffic controls.
Troopers will also be watching for people who are not buckled up, drivers who don't move over for emergency vehicles
and those who are distracted or impaired.
Drivers could face fines up to $1,000 and add up to 11 points on their driver's license.
"The goal is to reduce crashes, caused primarily by speeding, and to save lives," said New York State Police Lt. Col. George Beach.
Some drivers say "speed week" is not enough and want to see more patrols all year round.
"If everyone gets the message, it's not a problem," Yonkers driver Daryle McMorries told CBS 2's Weijia Jiang. "If not, they should do it more times."
"It is dangerous," said driver Patricia Smith. "You have to be really aware, really check all your mirrors, look around. You can't be a relaxed driver."
"I'm more cautious and drive better because I don't want a ticket," said Janet Sala from Eastchester.
Police say aggressive driving is not the same as "road rage," which is using the vehicle as a weapon or physically assaulting a driver or their vehicle. Those are criminal and not driving offenses.
If you see an aggressive driver, police say remain calm, keep your distance and do not pass unless you have to change lanes once it is safe. Police also say don't jump lanes without looking.
During last year's campaign, officials said troopers issued more than 9,600 tickets.
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