SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Syracuse Nationals are at Syracuse’s New York State Fairgrounds from July 16th to the 18th. The multi-day event celebrating automotive culture has cemented itself as a Central New York staple.
Every year, Syracuse Police report unlawful activity they have seen; from street racing to drinking and driving. Syracuse Police Captain Matt Malinowski repeats his advice to drivers:
As we always recommend, alcohol and vehicles don’t mix.
In addition, the cars are often decades old, mixing with modern vehicles on the road. “They may not stop as easily,” he said.
Malinowski also says drivers should be mindful of pedestrians walking in the area. “Our main goal is to make sure everyone is having a great time and a safe time.”
SPD, in collaboration with the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office and New York State Police, will be looking for people speeding and street racing. SPD says the overwhelming majority of people who attend make it problem-free.
In addition to the Syracuse Nationals, Captain Malinowski is also warning drivers about a problem he’s seeing more often on Syracuse roads: while putting your feet up on the dashboard of a car you are a passenger in is not illegal, it is very dangerous.
A crash dummy shows what happens when your feet rest on the dashboard. (Photo provided by SPD)
That’s the quickest way to send your legs behind your ears.
He added you never know when the car you are in is about to get into an accident, so be mindful if you see someone in your car doing it.