ALBANY, N.Y. -- New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Richard E. Jackson, Jr., urged motorists today to exercise caution on the highways as the summer driving season begins this Memorial Day weekend and announced new buckle up safety initiatives for adults and children.

"Governor Pataki is continuing to make New York’s highways the safest in the nation with his zero tolerance policy for drinking among young drivers and renewed efforts to improve New York State’s already high rate of seat belt use,’’ said Commissioner Jackson. "Holiday weekends are a busy travel time and provide a great opportunity to remind motorists the importance of driving safely and courteously.’’

As part of the highway safety effort, the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC), chaired by Commissioner Jackson, has produced, in partnership with the New York State Broadcasters Association, non-commercial sustaining announcements (NCSAs) aimed at promoting increased seat belt use and the proper installation and use of child safety seats. The spots will air for 13 consecutive weeks beginning May 31.

Commissioner Jackson said the GTSC also is providing a new page on the DMV web site about the proper installation of child passenger seats and seat belts. The web page address is www.safeny.com. The web page also includes a listing of child safety seat checks throughout New York State.

"Buckling up properly is important to children’s safety,’’ Commissioner Jackson said. "Parents need to be educated about the sometimes complicated business of installing car seats correctly to ensure their most precious cargo is protected. Parents also should refer to car seat manufacturer’s directions and their vehicle owner’s manual to determine proper child safety seat installation.’’

The GTSC has provided nearly $700,000 to the State Police and another $900,000 to New York City and other local police agencies to support seat belt enforcement efforts, including the "Buckle Up New York’’ campaign. This campaign is a highly visible zero tolerance enforcement effort aimed at increasing seat belt usage in New York State from an already high 75 percent to 85 percent by the end the year 2000.

Commissioner Jackson recommends the following safe driving tips for the Memorial Day holiday and throughout the year:

• Know and obey the traffic laws while exercising courtesy and common sense;
• Obey posted speed limits and drive at a speed appropriate for highway conditions; reduce vehicle speed in inclement weather;
• Drive sober;
• Get plenty of sleep before a long trip and take frequent breaks;
• Don’t rush. Allow plenty of time to travel to a destination;
• Wear seat belts and encourage passengers to do the same. Small children should be secured in properly installed and approved safety seats. Police can issue a ticket solely for not wearing a seat belt or having a child properly restrained in a car seat; and
• Make sure vehicles are "tuned up"’ and in proper running condition.