The New York State Police (NYSP) recently set aside another day for workzone safety enforcement.
“In support of the New York State Police’s commitment to targeting dangerous driving in and around highway work zones,” a release stated, NYSP conducted another Operation Hard Hat along the New York State Thruway (Interstate 90), this time in Herkimer County on May 22.
During an eight-hour period, troopers issued 94 tickets for vehicle and traffic law violations within an active work zone, 73% of which were for speeding.
“The targeted enforcement was a continuation of the statewide campaign that began in April during the launch of National Work Zone Awareness Week, which urges drivers to slow down, stay alert and follow New York State’s Move Over Law to protect highway and roadside workers,” the release added.
The 94 work zone violations issued were for the following:
69 Speeding (top speed was 79 mph in posted work zone limit of 55 mph)
8 Seatbelt violations
6 Move Over Law violations
2 Cell phone/electronic device use
9 Other vehicle and traffic law violations
NYSP said 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.
“The New York State Police remind all motorists that work zones demand heightened attention. Drivers are required to slow down, remain alert, and comply with New York’s Move Over Law,” the release stated. “These laws are in place to protect highway workers, emergency personnel, and all motorists traveling through active work zones.”
NYSP says it will continue conducting 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.
