WARNING: Operation “Hard Hat” Underway In Western New York

If you are traveling around Western New York this week, you will want to make sure you are aware of the posted speed limits, or you could get a ticket in the mail. Officials with the New York State Department of Transportation announced that "Operation Hard Hat" is now here in Western New York

What is Operation "Hard Hat"?

That is the name of the latest campaign by the New York State Department of Transportation and New York State troopers, where they will have police checking speeds in work zones.

Officers will be dressed like road construction workers and will be using radar to catch speeders in work zones.

Each Operation "Hard Hat" is in a real work zone, so state police are hoping that people will obey the posted speed limit signs and slow down in those zones. If not, they will be issued a ticket.

According to a post on Social Media, the newest Operation, "Hard Hat," will be in place along the work zone on the 219 in Western New York.

Last year, accidents in work zones across New York State surged with a reported 228 crashes leading to 28 injuries. That was the highest number of incidents since 2020 in New York State.

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Most of the incidents resulted from speeding, distracted driving, following too closely, unsafe lane changes, and failure to obey warning signs and flagger instructions.

The best way to avoid getting a ticket is to obey the posted speed limit in work zones.