Last week, New York State Police (NYSP) Troop T was extremely busy.
According to a news release, the troop issued 747 tickets for violations in work zones located along the 570 miles of the New York State Thruway.
The news release stated that the targeted enforcement was in support of National Work Zone Awareness Week (April 20-24), which promotes work zone safety, urging drivers to slow down, stay alert and follow New York State’s Move Over Law to protect highway and roadside workers.
The 747 work zone violations issued throughout the week were for the following:
452 – Speeding
47 – Move Over Law violations
45 – Cell phone/electronic device use
203 – Other vehicle and traffic law violations
As part of Work Zone Awareness Week, Troop T stated it conducted two six-hour Operation Hard Hat enforcement details in Thruway work zones in Westchester and Rockland Counties.
Operation Hard Hat entails troopers posing as workers embedded in an active work zone to identify violations and then advise uniformed troopers in the area to take enforcement actions.
In just the 12-hour period that encompassed Operation Hard Hat, 313 of the week’s total 747 tickets were issued, including 197 for speeding, 28 for cell phone/electronic device use and 27 for Move Over Law, along with other vehicle and traffic violations.
“While Work Zone Awareness Week has wrapped up, the State Police’s vigilance and commitment to safeguarding work zones and protecting the lives of workers does not end,” the release stated. “State Police will continue conducting additional enforcement details throughout the 2026 construction season to encourage safe driving in highway work zones.”
Bruce Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has lived in three states including Arkansas, Missouri and Georgia. During his nearly 20-year career, Bruce has served as managing editor and sports editor for numerous publications. He and his wife, Dana, who is also a journalist, are based in Carrollton, Georgia.
