Originally Posted - November 18, 2005

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ALBANY---The New York State Police have kicked off New York's latest zero tolerance seat belt enforcement blitz, intended to save lives by reminding motorists and their passengers to buckle up. Beginning next Monday and continuing through Sunday, Nov. 27, police will set up checkpoints and dedicated patrols to ensure compliance with New York's seat belt law. They'll be joined by police agencies across the state in the effort, which is part of the ongoing Buckle Up New York Campaign.

"The Holiday Season is a special time of year for families and friends, but each year the joys of the season are spoiled for too many by highway crashes," said State Police Supt. Wayne Bennett. "Motorists should be forewarned that troopers will be out in force to make sure that drivers are sober and that everyone is buckled up."

From now through the Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend, troopers will be conducting safety restraint checkpoints and assigning added patrols to look for unbuckled motorists. In addition, over the holiday weekend, sobriety checkpoints will be conducted statewide, to protect New York's highways from impaired drivers. The Thanksgiving Holiday traditionally features some of the highest traffic volume of the year, which multiplies the potential for tragedy. Motorists can avoid being victims of highway emergencies by preparing for their trips, staying sober and buckling up all occupants. Travel preparation should include plenty of rest before departing, preparing the vehicle for potentially inclement weather, and adjusting driving behaviors for the traffic volume and road conditions.

"Holiday travel should never be taken lightly," said Bennett. "The better motorists are prepared, the less likely they are to speed, drive aggressively, fall asleep or be the victim of a crash or other highway emergency."

Last year, Troopers investigated 997 highway crashes over the Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend in which five people were killed and 217 injured. Troopers also arrested 282 drivers for DWI and issued more than 14,300 tickets for Vehicle & Traffic Law violations. Troopers will be out in force again this year, enforcing all traffic violations. 11-18-05

© 2005 North Country Gazette