Governor Hochul announces statewide traffic safety and travel preparations ahead of busy Independence Day holiday weekend in New York

Albany, New York – As millions of people prepare to hit the road for one of the busiest travel periods of the year, New York officials are rolling out a coordinated statewide effort designed to keep highways moving and reduce crashes during the Independence Day holiday weekend.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that multiple state agencies, working alongside local law enforcement, will increase traffic enforcement, suspend many highway construction lane closures, and encourage motorists to make safe decisions as travel volumes climb in the days surrounding July 4. The initiative comes as New York joins the nation in marking not only Independence Day but also the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, an occasion expected to bring larger-than-usual crowds to celebrations across the state.

The campaign, funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC), officially begins on Monday, June 29, and continues through Sunday, July 5. Throughout that period, police agencies across New York will focus on reducing dangerous driving behaviors that historically contribute to serious crashes during holiday weekends.

Officials say motorists can expect to see an increased law enforcement presence on highways and local roads, including sobriety checkpoints and targeted patrols aimed at identifying impaired, reckless, distracted, and aggressive drivers.

Alongside the enforcement campaign, state transportation officials are taking steps intended to make holiday travel smoother by limiting road construction disruptions. Temporary lane closures associated with highway and bridge projects will be suspended beginning at 6 a.m. on Thursday, July 2, and continuing until 6 a.m. on Monday, July 6.

While most non-emergency work will pause during that time, officials noted that some construction activities may still continue behind permanent concrete barriers or where emergency repairs are necessary.

Governor Hochul said both government agencies and the traveling public share responsibility for keeping roads safe throughout the holiday.

“Have fun celebrating this historic holiday and the 250th anniversary of our nation’s independence, but do it responsibly,” Governor Hochul said. “New York is doing everything we can to make travel this weekend as smooth and safe as possible, but safety on the roads is a team effort. We have zero tolerance for reckless drivers who endanger others, so please have a plan if you will be drinking and do not drive impaired.”

The message from state leaders is straightforward: enjoy the celebrations, but never let festivities lead to unsafe decisions behind the wheel.

Holiday weekends consistently rank among the busiest periods for travel, and law enforcement agencies say they often coincide with increases in impaired driving, speeding, distracted driving, and other dangerous behaviors.

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Throughout the enforcement period, officers will actively monitor roadways for drivers operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Patrols will also focus on excessive speed, aggressive lane changes, failure to obey traffic laws, seat belt violations, and distracted driving involving mobile devices.

Authorities say the enhanced enforcement is intended both to remove dangerous drivers from the roads and to deter risky behavior before crashes occur.

Officials are also reminding motorists that New York maintains strict enforcement of its Move Over Law, which requires drivers approaching stopped emergency vehicles, maintenance crews, tow trucks, or other authorized roadside vehicles to slow down and safely move over whenever possible.

The law is designed to protect emergency responders, highway workers, stranded motorists, and anyone working along roadways.

One of the most noticeable changes for travelers will be the temporary suspension of many highway construction lane closures.

State transportation officials believe reducing construction-related bottlenecks will improve traffic flow during one of the year’s busiest travel periods.

Although construction crews will scale back many activities, officials stressed that motorists should still remain alert. Permanent work zones, concrete barriers, and emergency repair sites may still be present along portions of state highways.

Drivers are encouraged to obey posted speed limits through work zones, even when construction workers are not immediately visible.

Several leaders from transportation and public safety agencies joined the Governor in urging New Yorkers to prioritize safety over convenience.

“On this 4th of July we mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. We want everyone to celebrate this historic milestone safely and responsibly. Please do not drive recklessly and never, ever drive impaired. There are safe alternatives, so please make a plan to protect yourself and others on the road.”

That message came from New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Acting Commissioner Christian Jackstadt, who emphasized that planning ahead before celebrations begin can prevent tragedies later in the evening.

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James also highlighted the everyday consequences of dangerous driving.

“Dangerous behaviors such as speeding, impaired, and reckless driving cause scores of senseless injuries and deaths on our roads each day. As we gear up to commemorate the 4th of July, we all need to be proactive and plan ahead to celebrate responsibly. Remember, everyone is trying to get somewhere to enjoy the holiday, and we must share the road in a safe and respectful manner. Through strong partnership and enforcement, the New York State Police will continue to work with the DMV and our law enforcement colleagues to keep irresponsible drivers off the road.”

Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez echoed those concerns while reminding drivers that small decisions can have life-changing consequences.

“This Fourth of July, as we celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday with friends and family, let us do so safely. I urge everyone to please, do not drink and drive, obey posted speed limits, put your phones down and pay attention to the task at hand — driving. To help move traffic safely this holiday weekend, the State Department of Transportation will be suspending all non-emergency construction activities. Let’s all do what we can to celebrate safely.”

The New York State Thruway Authority also expects heavy traffic throughout the extended holiday period.

Executive Director Frank G. Hoare said suspending construction work should reduce delays for motorists traveling to celebrations and vacation destinations throughout the state.

“Millions of motorists are traveling in New York this Independence Day weekend for numerous events happening statewide. Suspending construction activities over the holiday weekend will help motorists get to their destinations with fewer delays. Our employees and emergency responders will still be out on the road all weekend assisting motorists, so please slow down and move over for all vehicles on the side of the road. We want everyone to have a safe and happy holiday weekend. We thank our partners at New York State Police Troop T for their dedication to keeping motorists safe.”

Law enforcement organizations across New York are also backing the initiative.

“The New York State Association of Chiefs of Police proudly supports the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee’s July 4th enforcement campaign. Independence Day is a time for celebration, especially as we celebrate 250 years of this great nation, but it must also be a time for personal responsibility. Law enforcement agencies across the state are committed to keeping our roadways safe through proactive enforcement efforts aimed at preventing impaired and reckless driving. We urge all New Yorkers to make smart decisions — plan ahead, drive sober, and always wear your seatbelt. Together, we can save lives and ensure a safe holiday for everyone.”

That statement came from New York State Association of Chiefs of Police President and Town of Brighton Police Department Chief David Catholdi.

Similarly, Ulster County Sheriff and President of the New York State Sheriffs’ Association Juan Figueroa reminded drivers that increased enforcement will accompany the holiday festivities.

“Kids are out of school, cookouts are underway, and many folks will be celebrating July 4 and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. If you want to keep your own independence, don’t drive impaired or recklessly. Law enforcement will be on the lookout for those dangerous drivers. The Sheriffs of New York State want you to enjoy summer and be safe on the roads and behind the wheel.”

State officials pointed to enforcement results from last year’s Independence Day campaign to illustrate how extensive holiday traffic enforcement can be.

During the previous campaign, police issued 49,843 traffic tickets across New York.

Authorities also arrested or charged 1,563 people for driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs.

In addition, officers issued 612 citations for violations of the Move Over Law and 1,926 tickets for distracted driving.

Officials say those numbers demonstrate both the volume of enforcement activity and the continuing need to discourage dangerous driving behaviors.

While impaired driving remains a primary concern, distracted driving continues to pose a major safety risk.

To help reduce phone use behind the wheel, New York continues providing designated text stops throughout the state. These include park-and-ride lots, highway rest areas, service plazas, and parking areas where motorists can safely pull over before making calls, sending messages, using navigation systems, or accessing mobile applications.

Officials stressed that texting while driving removes a driver’s eyes from the road, hands from the steering wheel, and attention from surrounding traffic—all at the same time.

Motorists planning holiday trips have access to several travel resources.

All 27 service areas along the New York State Thruway remain open around the clock throughout the year, providing fuel, food, restrooms, and other services for travelers.

Drivers can also receive live traffic updates through the Thruway Authority’s mobile app and by subscribing to TRANSalert email notifications.

Before beginning a trip, travelers are encouraged to check 511NY, New York’s statewide traveler information service.

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The free service provides current road conditions, traffic camera views, incident reports, construction information, and connections to public transportation and aviation information. The accompanying mobile application also includes a Drive mode that provides spoken alerts about incidents and construction zones along a selected route.

The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee and the New York State STOP-DWI Foundation are again promoting the “Have a Plan” mobile application.

The app allows users to arrange safe transportation before drinking by locating taxis or rideshare services, selecting designated drivers, and reviewing information about New York’s impaired driving laws and penalties. Users can also report suspected impaired drivers to authorities.

State officials say preparing transportation before attending parties or fireworks celebrations remains one of the easiest ways to prevent impaired driving.

Authorities recommend several simple steps: plan a safe ride before drinking begins, choose a sober designated driver, use taxis, rideshare services, public transportation, or sober friends if alcohol is involved, and never hesitate to intervene if someone who is impaired attempts to drive.

Officials also encourage members of the public to contact local law enforcement if they observe a driver who appears to be impaired.

Finally, they urge friends and family members to step in when necessary by taking away car keys and helping impaired individuals find a safe way home.

As New York prepares for one of its busiest travel weekends of the year, officials say the combined efforts of transportation agencies, law enforcement officers, emergency responders, and responsible drivers can help ensure that holiday celebrations end with safe journeys home.