‘Operation Hardhat’ Nabs 444 Offenders

It is a problem that appears to becoming more and more serious.  Motorists ignoring speed warnings and safety precautions while driving through a highway construction area.  New York State is putting its foot down.  "Operation Hardhat" was a statewide enforcement initiative which endeavors to stop, arrest, ticket, or fine motorists who ignore construction area highway rules.

The project is getting some results, too.

After last week's enforcement net, Governor Cuomo announced that police issued 444 tickets to drivers disregarding safety precautions in construction zones.  Cuomo said, "Our highway workers do vitally important work in often hazardous conditions so that we can all get where we need to go safely and with minimal delays.  Just last week, six highway workers in state work zones were sent to the hospital as a result of work zone crashes. I applaud all those who took part in Operation Hardhat and urge motorists to slow down and drive safely in work zones."

The 444 tickets issued during Operation Hardhat included speeding, no seat belts in use, and illegal cell phone activity.  Surprisingly, despite all the warnings that have been given out about the dangers, the highest offense total, 138 tickets issued, was for use of a cell phone while driving.

Among the 8 regions of New York state involved in "Operation Hardhat," the Hudson Valley had the biggest number of offenders (161), and the North Country had the lowest number (18).  Central New York, our listening area, came down in the middle of the list with 46 tickets issued.

For more results on "Operation Hardhat" CLICK HERE.