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Thursday, April 6, 2006

 

Member agencies of the New York State Governor's Traffic Safety Committee, including the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Thruway Authority, State Police Troop T and the Department of Transportation today joined together at the Ramapo and Sloatsburg Thruway Travel Plazas in Orange County to remind motorists to practice safe driving by utilizing defensive driving skills that will help reduce the number of accidents on roads and highways.

"Although the State Thruway is the safest is has ever been, even the best drivers make mistakes now and again.  Equipment fails, weather conditions may be unfavorable and drivers may encounter others who ignore traffic laws or drive unpredictably," said Commissioner Nancy A. Naples of the DMV and Chair of the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee.  "To avoid making simple mistakes or being involved in a traffic crash because of someone else's mistake, I encourage all motorists to practice defensive driving to help reduce crashes."

"The Authority prides itself on operating one of the safest highways in the nation.  However, in light of a number of tragic accidents that have occurred recently, the Authority is committed to implementing several educational efforts to promote driver safety," said Thruway Authority Executive Director Michael R. Fleischer.  "The dedicated Members of Troop T will be out in full force patrolling the Thruway to ensure we retain our excellent safety record.  At the same time, we remind motorists to buckle up, obey the posted speed limits and be mindful of other vehicles."

In an attempt to curtail aggressive and erratic driving, at the direction of the Governor State Police Troop T has already increased enforcement activity in the Lower Hudson Valley Region. Since, Saturday, March 25, Troop T has issued approximately 70 speeding tickets daily between Interchange 16 (Harriman) and Interchange 15 (I-287, Suffern).

"By obeying some simple rules of the road, the public can greatly reduce the odds of becoming a statistic," said State Police Troop T Major George P. Beach II. "Simply leaving extra time for travel, changing lanes safely, not tailgating, and when approaching the exit, being aware of slow or stopped traffic are just a few examples of how drivers can reduce their chances of being in a crash."

"Slowing down, being alert and driving responsibly is critical to keeping motorists, their passengers and everyone on the road safe," State Department of Transportation Commissioner Thomas J. Madison, Jr. said.  "I urge drivers throughout New York State to follow the rules of the road and, as we begin a new construction season, to be particularly cautious in highway construction work zones where conditions often change and people are working day and night."

Several unrelated crashes have occurred in recent weeks on the State Thruway near the Rockland, Orange County border that resulted in multiple fatalities.  Despite the number of accidents, the rate of deaths on the Thruway is well below the national average. According to the Thruway Authority, 2005 was the safest year ever in the highway's 50-year history, with more than 275 million vehicles traveling approximately 10.5 billion miles on the 641-mile road. There were 28 fatal accidents, resulting in 30 deaths and the fatality rate - measured as deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled - was 0.28, compared to the national rate of 1.46 (2004).

To reduce the risk of a crash, the State agencies offered specific advice to motorists, reminding them that following these tips could help to save a life, including:

• Being constantly on guard for potential changes in road conditions;
• Obeying posted speed limits;
• Utilizing proper vehicle restraints for all passengers, especially children;
• Abstaining from alcohol or illegal drugs;
• Avoiding behavior such as aggressive driving, road rage and driving while tired or distracted; and
• Ensuring the proper operating condition of a motor vehicle through regular maintenance.

The State officials also encouraged motorists to obey the rules of the road and use common sense when confronted with a roadside emergency.  Motorists should talk only on hands-free cell phones while driving, avoid stopping or parking in travel lanes or medians, always signal before turning or changing lanes, avoid tailgating and adjust speed for road conditions.  In addition, the officials recommended frequent breaks at one of the 27 Thruway Travel Plazas or 17 Rest Areas located along the highway.

In the event of an emergency, breakdown or minor accident, motorists are advised to travel to the nearest exit or safe location or pull well off to the side of the road and activate the four-way flashers while waiting for authorized personnel to arrive to provide assistance. Travelers are also advised to never walk along the roadway.

The State agencies will continue their coordinated efforts to promote safe driving through public education campaigns that will appear all across New York.  The DMV and GTSC will air public safety announcements regarding excessive speed, drinking and driving and proper vehicle restraint use, while the Thruway Authority will broadcast safe driver messages on the Highway Advisory Radio, run safety messages on Variable Message Signs and make safety information available at Thruway Travel Plazas.

The GTSC coordinates traffic safety activities across the State and is comprised of 13 member agencies, including the DMV, the Thruway Authority, State Police and Department of Transportation, whose initiatives include programs that are designed to promote highway safety.  The head of each agency acts as that agency's official representative to the Committee with the Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles serving as the Chair.

Additional driver safety tips and emergency information can be found by visiting the GTSC's website at www.thesafeny.org; the DMV's website at www.nysdmv.com; the Thruway Authority's website at www.thruway.state.ny.us; the State Police website at  www.troopers.state.ny.us; or the Department of Transportation at www.dot.state.ny.us.