ROCHESTER, NY (WXXI) – The New York State Police and the Department of Transportation say last week’s Operation Hardhat was a success.
During the joint initiative, state troopers dressed as highway workers kept an eye on drivers traveling through work zones on state highways.
State Police say they issued 112 tickets; among them were 40 for speeding and 34 for cellphone use while driving. The initiative was to urge drivers to eliminate distractions while driving and to give highway workers room in work zones. Fines are doubled for motorists caught speeding in a work zone.
Operation Hardhat was also a chance for both agencies to remind drivers about the state’s Move Over Law, which requires drivers to slow down and move over when approaching police cars, fire trucks, ambulances, tow trucks, construction and maintenance vehicles that are stopped along the road.
State Police and the DOT say they’ll roll out more operations in the coming months.