Rochester NY - Increased Trooper Presence

[chainsmoker11]

Looks like we need to keep a lid on it going through the I-490 corridor...

Just got this from a buddy of mine that works at the DOT:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:
Monday, May 10, 2010



NYSDOT JOINS TROOPERS TO ENCOURAGE SAFE DRIVING IN ROCHESTER
State Police Will Patrol Interstate 490 in Rochester for Aggressive Drivers

The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) is again joining the New York State Police to promote a safety, education and enforcement campaign to reduce the number of highway accidents caused by acts of aggressive driving.

Beginning today, Monday, May 10, Troopers will patrol a section of Interstate 490 (Erie Canal Expressway) from Interstate 390 through downtown to Interstate 590 in the City of Rochester to crack down on motorists not following the rules of the road and showing signs of aggression. Troopers will patrol the targeted corridor this week and then randomly throughout the summer months looking for unsafe lane changes, use of hand-held cell phones, driving while intoxicated, tailgating and other aggressive tendencies.

Safety messages will be displayed on select NYSDOT electronic message signs along I-490 in both directions, as well on I-390 and I-590 throughout the week of May 10. The messages will read "TRAFFIC SAFETY CORRIDOR, EXPECT POLICE PATROLS." The intent of the signs is to remind motorists to drive courteously and to obey the rules of road.

The New York State Police defines an aggressive driver as anyone who operates a motor vehicle in a selfish, bold or pushy manner B without regard for the rights or safety of the other users of our streets and highways.

Keep it safe!

[chainsmoker11]

Finishing the press release from above:

"The New York State Police will continue to assist our partners in law enforcement and the State DOT to ensure motorists safety," Major Mark Koss, Troop "E" Commander said. "Troopers will continue to enforce the vehicle and traffic law and will encourage everyone to drive more courteous. Motorists must refrain from texting while driving due to the inherent dangers of taking your eyes off the road. Let's make this summer enjoyable and safe for everyone on the road."
"Courteous driving is essential on all of our highways, but it is especially important in locations where road work is taking place and work zones are set up," said NYSDOT Acting Regional Director Robert Traver. "Aggressive driving is both rude and dangerous. Please be courteous, slow down and do not tailgate. Avoid a crash and avoid a traffic ticket as we implement our annual targeted enforcement campaign with our partners, the State Police."

According to accident data compiled by NYSDOT from July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2009, for this stretch of Interstate 490, 799 accidents were reported, many of which had apparent contributing factors related to aggressive driving. The time of day with the highest incidence of reportable accidents for this stretch of I-490 is 4 to 5 p.m. followed by 7 to 8 a.m. The days of the week with the most reportable accidents in the time frame studied were Wednesdays and Fridays. The most frequent apparent contributing factor to injuries caused in collisions was "following too closely." Other factors include "traveling at unsafe speeds" and "unsafe lane changes."

The stretch of Route 390 from Scottsville Road to Ridge Road was targeted in last year's campaign. According to New York State Police, a total of 426 tickets were issued throughout the summer. The highest number of tickets, 295, was given to speeders, a factor of aggressive driving behavior.
###
Lori G. Maher
Public Information Officer
NYS Dept. of Transportation
*** Jefferson Road
Rochester, NY *****

Keep your eyes peeled!

[Solidjake]

Thanks for the heads up. You should edit and delete the names and numbers

[chainsmoker11]

You have a point, not to worried about it though as it was a press release that was sound out to all of the news agencies.