Troopers and Sheriff's Deputies team up for Operation Hard Hat

109 tickets were issued during a four-hour long Operation Hard Hat detail within a work zone on Interstate 81 in the town of Chenango today.

The detail was a combined effort with the New York State Police and the Broome County Sheriff’s Department to combat dangerous behavior in work zones.  

Crews from the DOT (Department of Transportation) were repairing bridge rail over Front Street. The area is a 55mph zone and just the left lane was closed, while two others were still open to accommodate the flow of traffic.

Operation Hard Hat targets reckless and distracted drivers in work zone and cracks down on work zone violations while highlighting the importance of safe driving when approaching construction, maintenance and emergency operation along state highways. During the detail, Troopers are embedded in an active construction zone and dressed as a construction worker. Troopers watch for reckless behavior like speeding or people on an electronic device.

Here is the breakdown of all the citations issued:

• 27 - cellphones (operating an electronic device)
• 36 – speeding (highest of 87 mph in the 55-mph zone)
• 27 – no seatbelt
• 19 – other

Motorists are urged to drive responsibly in work zones. Oftentimes the speed limit is reduced in work zones.  Pay attention to signage, be alert, patient and focus on just driving.  Please be mindful of the crews working along the roadways, they deserve to go home to their families at the end of the day!