Be Aware: State Police Traffic Safety Campaign Launched for 2022 Thanksgiving Weekend

Rockland Daily Staff

 Local law enforcement agencies will participate in a special traffic safety initiative meant to prevent unsafe driving during Thanksgiving weekend. The Traffic Safety Campaign will start on Wednesday, November 23, and run through Monday, November 28. 

"As motorists drive throughout the state to see their family and friends during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend," says New York State Police Acting Superintendent Steven A. Nigrell. "We encourage them to make safe driving practices their top priority. Impaired and aggressive driving, speeding, not using safety restraints, and texting while driving all cause scores of senseless injuries and deaths. The State Police is committed to making our roadways safer, and together, we can make sure everyone has a safe and happy Thanksgiving." 

In order to ease travel over Thanksgiving weekend, temporary lane closures for New York State highways and bridge construction projects will be suspended starting Wednesday morning, November 23, at six a.m. until six a.m. on Monday, November 28. Emergency repair work may continue behind permanent concrete barriers. 

The suspension of closures aligns with New York State's Driver's First initiative. The initiative prioritizes the convenience of drivers in an ongoing effort to minimize traffic congestion and travel delays due to road and bridge work. 

"We want all those traveling to see family and friends to make it to their destination safely, and that is done by avoiding reckless and impaired driving," says The Governor's Traffic Safety Committee Chair and Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Mark J. F. Schroeder says. "Driving impaired puts you, your passengers, and all those on the road in danger. Prevent a tragic event this Thanksgiving by driving sober."  

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