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New York State Thruway Authority News, For More Information Call: Office of Public Affairs (518) 436-2983 (24 Hours), (518) 426-3995 (Fax)

For Immediate Release: December 21, 2009

Thruway Authority Reminds Motorists to Drive Safely During the Upcoming Holiday Travel Period
Motorists Encouraged to be Vigilant While Traveling During Winter Season

Each holiday season, the New York State Thruway Authority reminds motorists to drive safely and responsibly, especially during inclement weather and heavier traffic volumes typical of the winter holiday periods.  

“The holidays are a joyful time of year, and while everyone is looking forward to meeting up with friends and family, to help assure a safe and enjoyable season, all motorists are reminded to stay alert and be aware of their fellow travelers,” said Thruway Authority Executive Director Michael Fleischer. “Everyone with travel plans is encouraged to drive with caution, always wear their seatbelts, and allow additional travel time in anticipation of heavy traffic volumes and inclement weather.”

Last year, more than 5.79 million vehicles traveled more than 187.4 million miles on the New York State Thruway between Tuesday, December 23, 2008 and Thursday, January 1, 2009.

“The Authority prides itself on maintaining the New York State Thruway’s reputation of continually being recognized as one of the safest highways in the nation, especially during the winter season,” Fleischer added. “The Authority urges all motorists to be prepared for Northeast’s ever-changing weather conditions by properly preparing vehicles, driving cautiously, and being aware of other vehicles on the road, especially snow plows.”

Throughout the winter season, the Authority fully staffs its 23 maintenance sections on a 24-hour basis to ensure timely and effective response. As weather forecasts dictate, regularly scheduled staff is supplemented with additional staff to provide additional resources necessary to fight winter storms. 

In addition to the Authority’s maintenance and traffic personnel being on the road around the clock, New York State Police Troop T, will be patrolling the Thruway to fully enforce speed limit, seat belt, driving while intoxicated and aggressive driving laws for the duration of the holiday season.                                           

As tradition has dictated, traffic is expected to be heaviest at the Woodbury, New Rochelle and Tappan Zee Bridge toll barriers near New York City; at Newburgh Interchange 17 and Harriman Interchange 16; at the Canaan toll barrier on the Berkshire Section, which connects the Thruway to the Massachusetts Turnpike; at Albany Interchanges 23 and 24; at the Rochester-Victor Interchange 45 and at the Lackawanna and Williamsville toll barriers near Buffalo.

In an effort to keep traffic moving smoothly, E-ZPass customers are reminded that E-ZPass can be used in any open lane at Thruway toll barriers.

Regardless of their destination this holiday, motorists are reminded to follow these important safety tips:

  • Ensure all vehicle fluids are full.
  • Check the vehicle’s battery, wipers, defrosters and lights for proper operation.
  • Make certain that tires are properly inflated, including the spare in the trunk.
  • In colder weather, maintain at least a half tank of gas.
  • Remember that posted speed limits are for ideal travel conditions; slow down and exercise caution when traveling in inclement weather.

For the latest information on the Thruway, motorists can obtain current road conditions along the Thruway by calling, toll-free, 24 hours a day, 1-800-THRUWAY (1-800-847-8929) and are encouraged to sign up for TRANSalerts via the Authority’s website www.nysthruway.gov. Customers are encouraged to check TRANSalerts and road conditions prior to embarking on their travels.

Additionally, Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) stations broadcast traffic, accident and other Thruway specific information on the following frequencies: 530 AM in the New York City Region and Tappan Zee Bridge Corridor; 1610 AM in the Newburgh, Albany, Rochester and Buffalo areas; 540 AM in the Utica area; 98.7 FM in the Ripley Region; and 1620 AM in the Syracuse, Geneva/Waterloo and LaFayette areas.

The Authority remains committed to providing high levels of safety and service throughout the winter season and year round.

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NOTE TO MEDIA: For an audio sound byte recorded on this release, please call 1-866-239-2845 and select “Thruway.”

 

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