For Immediate Release: December 20, 2006

THRUWAY URGES HOLIDAY MOTORISTS TO DRIVE SAFELY
Motorists Reminded to be Vigilant, State Police Patrols Increased

The New York State Thruway Authority reminds motorists to drive safely and responsibly during the upcoming holiday period, especially in inclement weather and heavier traffic typical of the winter season.

“Motorists are reminded to remain alert and aware of their surroundings and allow for extra travel time as traffic volume and inclement weather can be a factor this time of year,” said Thruway Authority Executive Director Michael R. Fleischer. “Motorists are encouraged to drive safely, plan ahead, and most importantly - remember to wear their seatbelts.”

Last year, almost seven million vehicles traveled more than 218 million miles on the New York State Thruway between Friday, December 23, 2005 and Monday, January 2, 2006.

“Year after year, the Thruway is rated one of the safest, best maintained highways in the nation, especially during the winter travel season,” Fleischer added. “Obeying the speed limit, being mindful of weather conditions, always wearing your seatbelt and never drinking and driving, should ensure pleasant and safe trips this holiday season.”

The Authority’s 23 maintenance sections are currently fully staffed on a 24 hour basis providing timely and effective responses to winter weather therefore continuing to allow high levels of safety and service. As weather forecasts dictate, regularly scheduled staff is supplemented with additional staff to provide the resources necessary to fight winter storms. 

New York State Police Troop T, which exclusively patrols the Thruway, will be out in full force in order to maximize enforcement of speed limit, seat belt use, driving while intoxicated and aggressive driving laws for the duration of the holiday season.

Holiday traffic is expected to be heaviest at the Woodbury, New Rochelle and Tappan Zee Bridge toll barriers near New York City; at Newburgh Interchange 17 and Harriman Interchange 16; at the Canaan toll barrier on the Berkshire Section, which connects the Thruway to the Massachusetts Turnpike; at Albany Interchanges 23 and 24; at the Rochester-Victor Interchange 45 and at the Lackawanna and Williamsville toll barriers near Buffalo.

E-ZPass will help keep traffic moving at Thruway toll plazas and at signed lanes at bridges and barriers. E-ZPass customers are reminded that E-ZPass can be used in any open toll lane on the Thruway.

For the latest information on the Thruway, motorists can obtain current road conditions along the Thruway by calling, toll-free, 24 hours a day, 1-800-THRUWAY (1-800-847-8929) and are encouraged to sign up for TRANSalerts via the Authority's website www.nysthruway.gov. Motorists can also find the latest forecasts by the National Weather Service for regions along the Thruway by logging onto the Thruway’s Website at www.nysthruway.gov/weather/

Additionally, Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) stations broadcast traffic, accident and other Thruway specific information on the following frequencies: 530 AM in the Tappan Zee Bridge Corridor; 1610 AM in the Newburgh, Kingston, Albany, Rochester and Buffalo areas; 540 AM in the Utica area; 98.7 FM in the Ripley area; and 1620 AM in the Syracuse area.

The Thruway’s TDD/TTY number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-253-6244. Road conditions for highways across New York State, including the Thruway, can be found at www.travelinfony.com.

The Authority remains committed to providing high levels of safety and service throughout the winter season and year round.

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NOTE TO MEDIA: For an audio sound byte recorded by spokesman Patrick Noonan on this release, please call 1-866-239-2845.

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