FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, December 15, 2004 http://www.safeny.com

 

Raymond P. Martinez, chair of the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) and commissioner of the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NYS DMV) today announced the awarding of a highway safety grant to the Westchester County Department of Public Safety. GTSC awarded the grant to help them implement new Traffic and Criminal Software (TraCS). Commissioner Martinez also reminded motorists to buckle up and drive safely during the busy holiday travel season.

Westchester County Executive Andy Spano and Westchester County Police Commissioner Tom Belfiore joined Commissioner Martinez at a news conference to announce the grant. County Executive Spano accepted the check on behalf of the Westchester County Department of Public Safety.

"Each year, DMV and the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee set strategic goals to reduce highway fatalities and the severity of injuries on our roadways," Commissioner Martinez said. "Under the leadership of Governor Pataki, over the last decade we have implemented countless programs to achieve these goals, including enhancing enforcement and education programs and improving traffic safety record-keeping. The TraCS program is the latest example of our many successes in streamlining bureaucracy and keeping our highways and byways safe for all who travel them."

TraCS is a computer application that allows police officers in patrol cars to produce traffic tickets and accident reports electronically, including associated documents such as supporting depositions using a computer, scanning device and printer. This "electronic ticket" or "electronic accident report" is then transmitted to DMV and courts capable of receiving the data.

In addition to improving the collection of highway safety statistical data, the TraCS computer program also provides law enforcement with access to databases of suspended and revoked drivers, stolen vehicles and other public safety information. Legible tickets are produced, thereby eliminating motorist confusion associated with handwritten documents and data entry error. Further, officer safety and efficiency is also improved by reducing the amount of time spent at a traffic stop.

TraCS was developed in cooperation with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the State of Iowa, GTSC, DMV, New York State Police, New York State Office of Court Administration, New York State Department of Transportation, New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, New York State Chiefs and Sheriff's Associations, and others. Currently, 37 states across the country are using or implementing TraCS.

At the news conference, Commissioner Martinez also reminded motorists to drive safely during the holiday season. In 2003, there were 1477 fatal crashes on New York State's roadways. Of those crashes, approximately 30% involved unsafe speed and 13% involved alcohol.

Holiday Week* Fatality Statistics Statewide:

	All Accidents		Alcohol Related		Speed Related		Speed and Alcohol		Number of Hours
Year	Accidents	Deaths	Accidents	Deaths	Accidents	Deaths	Accidents	Deaths
2001	52	65	22	26	14	16	8	10	198
2002	22	23	6	6	7	8	4	4	198
2003	24	28	5	6	6	8	2	3	198

*Holiday Week Period:
2001: Dec. 24, 2001 @ 6pm to Jan. 1, 2002 @ 11:59 pm
2002: Dec. 24, 2002 @ 6pm to Jan. 1, 2003 @ 11:59 pm
2003: Dec. 24, 2003 @ 6pm to Jan. 1, 2004 @ 11:59 pm

Commissioner Martinez offers these tips for highway safety during the holidays:

• Don't drive while tired or drowsy. Try to have a companion to share the driving. When tired, pull off the highway at a designated rest stop, stretch your legs, and take it easy before resuming your journey.
• Don't drive aggressively. Drive defensively and be aware of the other drivers on the highway. Slow down in heavy traffic. Do not tailgate, be more cautious in inclement weather.
• Give yourself enough time to travel to your destination without hurrying or speeding.
• Be sure your vehicle is in good running condition. Make sure tires are properly inflated.
• CERTAINLY, DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE. Many of New York State's most serious accidents are alcohol-related. If you choose to drink, have an individual who hasn't been drinking designated to drive or take a cab.
• Enjoy the holidays, drink responsibly, drive carefully, and arrive safely at your destination.