Speed Awareness Week started in New York
Law enforcement agencies across New York City are stepping up patrols as part of a campaign to crack down on speeding.
From August 14 to 21, New York State hosts “Speed Awareness Week” to combat speeding.
“There are countless risks and tragic consequences of speeding, and I want all New Yorkers to be mindful of speed limits in their area,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “This enforcement campaign will be critical not only to catch violators, but to encourage all drivers to maintain safe speeds on our roads, and I urge all New Yorkers to take their time and get to their destination safely.”
During last year’s Speed Week, police issued 23,087 speeding tickets and 32,170 tickets for other vehicle and traffic violations such as drunk driving and distraction.
Speeding was the cause of 353 fatal crashes in 2021, up 11% from 2020. Last year, 389 people died in 353 fatal accidents, including drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.
“Speeding is a dangerous behavior that needlessly results in numerous deaths and serious injuries every year. We encourage all drivers to do their part to improve safety by adhering to posted speed limits, being vigilant and removing electronic devices while driving,” the NYPD said in a statement.
The NHTSA reports that the causes of speeding are:
• High chance of losing control of the vehicle
• Reduced effectiveness of passenger protection equipment
• Increased braking distance after the driver senses danger
• Increased crash severity leading to more serious injuries
• Increased fuel consumption/cost
