FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, December 16, 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 highway safety grants to the Monroe County Sheriff's Department and the City of Rochester Police Department. GTSC awarded the grants 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.

Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks joined Commissioner Martinez at a news conference to announce the grants. Sheriff Patrick O'Flynn accepted the check on behalf of the Monroe County Sheriff's Department and Deputy Chief Tim Hickey accepted the check on behalf of the City of Rochester Police Department.

"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."

"Thanks to the leadership of Governor Pataki and Commissioner Martinez, police officers in the field will be able to access more information than ever before – right from the vehicle," said Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks. "By providing real time information, the TraCS system will reduce the time that officers must have to spend on paperwork, enabling them to focus on keeping our streets safe."

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 1,477 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.