Speed Awareness Week Returns to New York: Expect More Speed Enforcement Aug. 3-9

If you're planning a road trip or even just your daily commute next week, you may notice more police vehicles on New York roads.

Beginning Monday, Aug. 3, law enforcement agencies across the state are taking part in Speed Awareness Week, a statewide traffic enforcement campaign aimed at reducing speeding-related crashes and saving lives.

What Is Speed Awareness Week?

Running Aug. 3 through Aug. 9, Speed Awareness Week is coordinated by New York's Governor's Traffic Safety Committee and the New York State Police. The annual campaign focuses on reducing dangerous driving behaviors by increasing highly visible traffic enforcement throughout the state.

Local agencies, including the Madison County Sheriff's Office, say they will deploy dedicated traffic enforcement patrols specifically targeting speeding motorists.

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While speeding is the primary focus, officers may also be watching for:

• Aggressive driving
• Distracted driving
• Seat belt violations
• Move Over Law violations

Why Is New York Focusing on Speeding?

Speed remains one of the leading causes of deadly crashes in New York.

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According to statewide traffic safety data, speeding contributes to roughly 31% of all traffic fatalities in New York, and fatal crashes linked to unsafe speeds are most common during the summer months, particularly between June and October.

Each year, hundreds of people across the state are either killed or seriously injured in speed-related crashes. Officials say those crashes are often preventable simply by slowing down.

Expect More Patrols Across New York

During Speed Awareness Week, drivers can expect to see increased enforcement on highways and local roads alike.

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State Police and local agencies will use both marked patrol vehicles and specialized undercover vehicles designed to blend in with everyday traffic while identifying dangerous driving behaviors.

Speeding Crackdown Starts Monday

Getting to your destination a few minutes earlier isn't worth the risk.

Officials are encouraging drivers to leave a little extra time for travel, obey posted speed limits, avoid distractions and help make New York roads safer for everyone this summer.