COURTLAND COUNTY, N.Y. — Police in New York are conducting more operations designed to enhance work zone safety.
The New York State Police (NYSP) conducted an Operation Hard Hat enforcement detail in Cortland County on Tuesday.
According to a news release from the NYSP, the detail took place on Interstate 81 northbound, approximately three miles north of Exit 54 in Homer, where highway crews were making pavement and pothole repairs.
Troopers say they issued a total of 60 citations and made one arrest during the operation.
That arrest was for Unlawfully Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle in the 3rd degree, a misdemeanor.
Other enforcement actions included:
Speeding – 25
Seatbelt Compliance – 10
Operating an Electronic Device – 10
Failure to Move Over – 1
Other – 14 (13 violations and one misdemeanor for
Aggravated Unlicensed Operation in the 3rd degree)
One of the most egregious incidents occrred around 12:48 p.m. when NYSP attempted to stop a 2016 Audi operated by Rashi L. Brown, 49 of Alsip, Illinois, after police say the car was observed “traveling 80 miles per hour through the active work zone.”
Police say Brown failed to comply and continued northbound while accelerating.
He subsequently entered a U-turn in Preble and began traveling southbound on Interstate 81 toward Homer, according to the release.
Brown exited the interstate at Exit 54 in Homer and continued to travel through Cortlandville and the city of Cortland before entering a parking lot across from Guthrie Cortland Medical Center near the intersection of Homer Avenue and Alvena Avenue in Cortland where he was taken into custody without further incident.
Brown was processed and issued appearance tickets for Unlawfully Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle (misdemeanor) 10 ten traffic citations.
Operation Hard Hat is designed to reduce dangerous driving behaviors in highway work zones, enhance the safety of highway workers, and improve compliance with traffic laws in active construction zones throughout New York State.
Police say the work zone involved in Tuesday’s operation “was clearly marked with signs warning motorists of an upcoming work zone, advising that fines are doubled in the work zones, reducing the speed limit to 55 miles per hour, and notifying drivers of a right-lane closure,” the release stated. “A flashing directional arrow board was also utilized just outside the zone to remind drivers to merge left.”
As part of Operation Hard Hat, State Troopers are embedded within active work zones, often dressed as highway workers, to observe motorists committing violations. Once a violation is observed, uniformed Troopers in the area are advised and issue the appropriate citations.
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.
