NYS asks drivers to use caution in work zones
This week from April 21-25 is National Work Zone Awareness Week. This is to coincide with the start of road construction season with the weather feeling more spring-like.
Your Stories Q&A: Are work zone speed limits enforced on weekends and off-hours?
This year's theme is 'Respect the zone so we all get home.'
Governor Kathy Hochul is promoting work zone safety by urging all drivers to slow down, stay alert and follow New York State's Move Over Law to protect roadside workers and other motorists.
Every roadside worker deserves to return home safely at the end of their shift. We're asking all drivers to do their part by reducing speed, eliminating distractions and staying vigilant in work zones so that our hard-working and dedicated roadside workers are safe. A few extra seconds of your time and attention can save a life.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul
Last year, there were more than 156 crashes in Thruway work zones resulting in one fatality and 30 injuries. Distracted driving, following too closely, an unsafe lane change or disregarding traffic warning signs caused the majority of the crashes. Also, two Thruway Authority employees died and another was seriously injured in separate incidents while working on the New York State Thruway. In its 70-plus year history, 22 Thruway employees have been killed while on duty.
In 2024, there were also 322 intrusions in New York State Department of Transportation work zones. These intrusions resulted in the deaths of two drivers who entered the work zones and 138 additional injuries to highway workers and the traveling public. A total of 58 members of the NYSDOT family have died on the job across New York State, dating as far back as 1939.
Throughout National Work Zone Awareness Week, the New York State Thruway Authority and NYSDOT will be hosting awareness events, lighting digital highway signs with safety messages and sharing important safety reminders on social media platforms. In addition — at the direction of Governor Hochul — State landmarks will be illuminated in orange on Wednesday, April 23 in recognition of Go Orange Day. Drivers are encouraged to:
Slow down when approaching work zones.
Move over for all stopped vehicles including roadside workers, emergency responders and disabled vehicles.
Stay off phones and avoid other distractions while driving.
Follow posted signs and flagger instructions.
Over 425,000 Notices of Liability have been issued statewide, with over 38,000 repeat offenders since the AWZSE program began issuing Notices of Liability in May 2023. In locations where the cameras have been present more than once, fewer Notices of Liability are being issued, meaning that people are slowing down when cameras are present.
Fines through the pilot program are issued as follows:
First Notice of Liability: $50 fine
Second Notice of Liability: $75 fine if within an 18-month period of first violation
Third and Subsequent Notices of Liability: $100 fine if within an 18-month period of first violation
Starting with National Work Zone Awareness Week and continuing through the construction season, the New York State Police and local law enforcement agencies will once again be conducting 'Operation Hardhat' details to enforce vehicle and traffic laws in highway work zones.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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