As part of Work Zone Awareness Week, New York State Police conducted two targeted enforcement operations in Thruway work zones across Westchester and Rockland counties, resulting in hundreds of traffic violations in just a half-day span.
The initiative, known as Operation Hard Hat, involves troopers posing as construction workers within active work zones. From there, they observe passing traffic for violations and relay information to uniformed officers nearby, who then carry out traffic stops.
During the two six-hour enforcement details—12 hours total—troopers issued 313 tickets, accounting for a significant portion of the 747 citations issued statewide during the week.
Speeding was the most common offense, with 197 tickets issued. Troopers also cited 28 drivers for using cell phones or other electronic devices behind the wheel and 27 for violating the state’s Move Over Law. Additional tickets were issued for various other traffic and vehicle violations.
Authorities say the results highlight ongoing safety concerns in work zones, where both workers and motorists face increased risks.