State Police conducting traffic enforcement campaign called "Speed Week"
By: Jennifer Lee
Updated: August 7, 2012
Did you know speeding is the leading cause of death on New York State highways?
The New York State Police is running a traffic enforcement campaign this week called "Speed Week."
The campaign is trying to encourage drivers to think about their driving behavior and comply with speed limits.
Tonight, Eyewitness News gives you a front row view of how the State Police handles drivers out on the road.
"It's a dual stalker. Which means we have a radar in the front and a radar in the rear," explained State Trooper Chad Chevrier.
Trooper Chevrier has been with the State Police for almost 12 years. And although police do have a radar to monitor speeding, Trooper Chevrier says it takes a lot of observing to catch speeders.
"It's an experience people will never experience and sometimes probably should when you are standing out talking to a driver out in the car and a car goes by 65 miles per hour. It shakes you up a bit," said Trooper Chevrier.
According to State Police, a third of all deadly crashes result from speeding drivers.
Trooper Chevrier says many people don't know how to control their cars at certain speeds. And not only that. "There a bit of confusion. When you pull people over move over to the right. Always move over to the right. There isn't a lot of room on the left," said Trooper Chevrier.
And with the nicer weather, Trooper Chevrier says many travel during these summer months, which means heavy traffic and the increased risk of highway crashes.
"It's important to keep your mind active. It's easy to get hypnotized on the road. In doing so is constantly checking your mirrors. If you feel as if you are getting fatigued even a half an hour nap can be extremely beneficial," said Trooper Chevrier.
Even though there may be more cars out on the road, so are more construction workers. Trooper Chevrier wants to remind drivers of to pay attention to work zones.
"It can be somebody that is doing some work. If they aren't on the road doesn't mean they aren't working. They can be working under the bridge. As long as the orange cones are up... they have to abide by that speed limit," said Trooper Chevrier.
Speed Week will run through Sunday night. State Police say driving within the speed limit will not only save you a trip to the court room, but also improve your fuel economy.
