ALBANY, |N.Y. (WNYT) – A statewide crackdown on speeding starts next week as New York ramps up patrols to curb crashes, according to Gov. Kathy Hochul.
Hochul announced the enforcement campaign runs Monday, Aug. 3, through Sunday, Aug. 9, with State Police and local law enforcement increasing patrols statewide. The effort is the second Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee-sponsored summer campaign focused on speeding.
“These enforcement campaigns are crucial, as speeding continues to be a leading cause of fatal crashes each year in New York State,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “As always, we have zero tolerance for those who endanger others by driving recklessly, so I urge everyone to do their part to keep our roadways as safe as possible by following the speed limits, avoiding distractions and never driving while impaired.”
The first crackdown, Speed Week 1, ran from Monday, June 8, through Sunday, June 14. During that stretch, state and local law enforcement issued 56,578 tickets statewide, including 14,005 for speeding, 2,220 for distracted driving and 1,386 for impaired driving.
What did week 1 find?
Among counties, Nassau and Suffolk led the state with 6,158 and 5,367 tickets issued. The press release said New York launched the Drive Safe Long Island campaign last year to address speeding and other dangerous driving in the region.
“Our message to drivers is simple: slow down and obey the posted speed limits. Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to drive safely and react to unexpected hazards, putting themselves and others at risk of being involved in a potentially deadly crash. We thank our law enforcement community for helping keep our roadways as safe as possible by removing dangerous drivers,” Acting Commissioner Christian Jackstadt said.
State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “Enforcement campaigns like this demonstrate our shared commitment to raising awareness about the dangers of speeding and keeping New York’s roadways safe. Through this campaign, and our enforcement efforts year-round, we are working to reduce speed-related crashes and encourage safer driving habits. Together with our law enforcement partners, we will continue proactive enforcement to hold dangerous drivers accountable and help ensure everyone reaches their destination safely.”
Why the focus on speed?
Federal and state data in the press release show speeding remains a major factor in deadly crashes. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said 11,288 speed-related traffic fatalities were recorded nationwide in 2024, accounting for 29 percent of all traffic fatalities.
In New York, the Institute for Traffic Safety Management & Research’s Traffic Safety Statistical Repository reported 34,042 police-reported speed-related crashes in 2024, including 315 fatal crashes and more than 12,000 with personal injury. Preliminary 2025 data shows more than 24,000 police-reported speed-related crashes, with 231 involving a fatality and 16,644 involving an injury.
“It’s time to slow down and enjoy summer. With longer days and nicer weather some people will be tempted to drive over the speed limit, even at levels that are dangerous and reckless. Getting to your destination a few seconds quicker is not worth the cost of a ticket, or the increased likelihood of being injured in a crash. The Sheriffs of New York State want you to be safe on the roads and obey the speed limit,” Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa said.
CREDIT: News Channel 13 WNYT
