BUFFALO, N.Y. — AAA officials say there are two safety aspects to remember as travelers hit the road this holiday weekend: your safety and the safety of other drivers on the road.
A statewide crackdown on reckless and impaired driving is underway across New York state.
The crackdown went into effect on Monday and will continue through Saturday. New York State Police say that during last year’s enforcement, nearly 50,000 tickets were issued, including more than 1,500 for impaired driving. NYSP says 612 tickets were issued for Move Over Law violations and nearly 2,000 for distracted driving.
Drivers can expect to see extra patrols on the road and sobriety checkpoints.
What You Need To Know
Temporary lane closures for road and bridge construction projects on New York state highways are suspended through 6 a.m. on Monday, July 6
New York State Police have launched their annual crackdown on reckless and impaired driving
AAA says drivers should check their tires’ PSI and treads before hitting the road
During Independence Day weekend last year, AAA said that it responded to more than 26,000 roadside assistance calls in New York. About half of those drivers needed a tow, with the main issues being battery problems and flat tires. AAA says nearly 11,000 crashes each year are caused by tire-related issues.
AAA is also reminding drivers that they should check their tires’ treads. It’s as easy as taking a penny and turning it upside down. If you can see any space between the edge of the penny and the top of Abraham Lincoln’s head, you need new tires.
In the hustle and bustle of traveling and stopping at rest stops along the way, make sure everyone gets out of the vehicle. AAA says nearly 40 kids die in hot cars each year.
“I know it sounds crazy, but they might forget that they have a child that’s maybe asleep in the backseat in the car seat, and they were running a quick errand,” Elizabeth Carey from AAA said. “So put your purse or your wallet or your cell phone in the backseat so you have to go grab them or the keys to the car so you know you don’t leave anyone in the car by mistake because a lot of these tragedies could be prevented.”
AAA says more than 200 people called because they were out of gas. When temperatures are hot, don’t let your tank get too low. Think of how quickly your vehicle will heat up if you don’t have air conditioning on.
As always, make sure you have water, as well as snacks, cell phone charges, possibly a cooler, whatever you might need if you’re stuck on the side of the road or in traffic.
If you are flying, keep an eye on the weather. New York is not the only state seeing extreme heat.
AAA recommends downloading the airline’s mobile app. That is the best way to get information. Also, make sure to have the phone number for your airline. AAA says there have been reports of people calling fake numbers, giving their credit card information, and then getting scammed.
To help ease congestion on the roadways this weekend, any temporary lane closures for road and bridge construction projects on New York State highways are suspended now through 6 a.m. Monday, July 6.