DMV/GTSC Reminds Motorists to Drive Safely This Holiday Weekend

Memorial Day Traditional Beginning of Busy Summer Travel Season

ALBANY, NY (05/25/2007)(readMedia)-- Commissioner David J. Swarts of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and Chair of the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) today reminded motorists to drive safely this holiday weekend. Traditionally, this weekend is the beginning of the busy summer travel season, which runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day and is the time when New York roadways are traveled the most.

"By obeying the rules of the road and practicing safe driving, the motoring public can greatly reduce the odds of becoming a needless statistic," said Commissioner Swarts. "By not drinking and driving, wearing seat belts, slowing down and simply driving responsibly people can reduce their chances of being in a crash and enhance the safety of their passengers and everyone on the road. The summer ahead should be among the happiest days this year, unmarred by tragedy in which someone is injured or killed."

In 2006, there were 17 people killed statewide during the Memorial Day holiday weekend from May 26 - May 29. Eight of those deaths were directly related to six accidents involving alcohol. In 2005, there were 22 people killed statewide during the May 27 - May 30 holiday weekend in which six people died in alcohol related crashes. In 2004, there were 22 people killed statewide during the May 28 - May 31 holiday weekend in which 3 people died in alcohol related crashes.

Although the state's highways are among the safest they have ever been, even the best drivers make mistakes. Weather conditions may be unfavorable and equipment failures are often unexpected. Drivers may ignore traffic laws or drive unpredictably. To avoid making simple mistakes or being involved in a traffic crash because of someone else's poor driving habits, motorists are encouraged to practice defensive driving.

To reduce the risk of a crash, the Commissioner offered specific advice to motorists, reminding them that following these tips could help to save a life:

-- Abstaining from alcohol or drugs;

-- Utilizing proper vehicle restraints for all passengers, especially children;

-- Obeying posted speed limits and leaving extra time for travel;

-- Avoiding behavior such as aggressive driving, tail gating, changing lanes unsafely, road rage and driving while tired or distracted;

-- Being constantly on guard for potential changes in road conditions;

-- Driving defensively; and

-- Ensuring the proper operating condition of a motor vehicle through regular maintenance.

Commissioner Swarts also encouraged motorists to obey the rules of the road and use common sense when confronted with a construction zone or roadside emergency. Motorists should talk only on hands-free cell phones while driving, avoid stopping or parking in travel lanes or medians, always signal before turning and adjust speed for road conditions.

The DMV and GTSC will continue their coordinated efforts to promote safe driving through public education campaigns that will appear all across New York. The DMV and GTSC will air public safety announcements regarding seat belt usage and other safety issues throughout the summer.

The GTSC coordinates traffic safety activities across the State and is comprised of 14 member agencies, whose initiatives include programs that are designed to promote highway safety. The head of each agency acts as that agency's official representative to the Committee with the Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles serving as the Chair.

For county specific data for past Memorial Day weekends, please contact DMV Communications at: (518) 473-7000. Additional driver safety tips are available by visiting the DMV website at www.nysdmv.com or the GTSC website at www.safenys.com.

-30-