Numerous motorists ticketed during Operation Hard Hat Detail

Press Release

On August 23, 2024, the Troop "C" Traffic Incident Management (TIM) unit in partnership with the Department of Transportation held an Operation Hard Hat enforcement in Windsor along State Highway 17 east between exits 78 and 79.

Operation Hard Hat targets reckless and distracted drivers in work zones and cracks down on work zone violations while highlighting the importance of safe driving when approaching construction, maintenance and emergency operation along state highways. During the detail, a Trooper is dressed as a construction worker and embeds himself in an active work zone. The Trooper observes violations and calls ahead to Troopers waiting just outside the work zone.

On the particular stretch of State Highway 17 where the detail was held, signage reminding motorists that there's a work zone is posted approximately 1.25 miles before the area where Troopers were monitoring traffic.

In just over four hours, 75 tickets were issued:

• 58 - Speeding
• 4 - Move Over Law
• 3- Cellphone
• 3 - No Seatbelt
• 1 - No Child Restraint
• 6 - other

One person was observed and ticketed for traveling 92 mph in the 55 mph active work zone!

Just last month, New York State Police responded to a four vehicle crash in the exact same work zone: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/troopers-respond-crash-broome-county-work-zone

Motorists are urged to drive responsibly in work zones. Oftentimes, the speed limit is reduced in work zones. Pay attention to signage, be alert, patient and put down those cellphones. Please be mindful of crews working along the roadways, they deserve to go home to their families at the end of the day!

As a reminder, speeding fines are doubled in work zones and two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of your driver's license.