For Immediate Release: December 19, 2007

Thruway Authority Reminds Holiday Motorist to Drive Safely
Motorists Encouraged to Sign-Up for TRANSalerts and be Vigilant While Traveling During Holiday Season

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.

“During the upcoming holiday season motorists are encouraged to drive safely and prepare for heavy traffic volume,” said Executive Director Michael Fleischer. “Motorists are reminded to remain alert and aware of their surroundings, wear their seatbelts and allow for extra travel time as traffic volume and inclement weather can cause possible delays this time of year.”
Last year, more than 6.7 million vehicles traveled more than 220 million miles on the New York State Thruway between Friday, December 22, 2006 and Monday, January 1, 2007.

“The Thruway continues to be 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.

In an effort to keep traffic moving smoothly, E-ZPass customers are reminded that E-ZPass can be used in any open lane at Thruway toll barriers.

The Authority will also issue free TRANSalerts to subscribers to inform them of major unscheduled incidents that may affect their travel on the Thruway. Since its inception in August of 2006, more than 4,000 subscribers have signed up to receive TRANSalert notifications.

For the most up-to-date information about incidents affecting travel on the Thruway, sign up for the TRANSalert service; visit the Authority’s website at www.nysthruway.gov/tas/.

If major traffic delays occur, motorists will be advised via the Authority’s Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) and Dynamic Message Signs (DMS). The HAR stations will broadcast any traffic delays, traffic advisories, and safety tips to travelers on the Thruway. Motorists can tune their vehicle radios to the following frequencies: New York City area and Tappan Zee Bridge Corridor - 530 AM; Newburgh, Kingston, Albany and Buffalo areas - 1610 AM; 98.7 FM in the Ripley area; Syracuse and LaFayette area - 1620 AM; and Utica area - 540 AM. Motorists may also receive up-to-date road condition information by calling toll-free 1-800-THRUWAY (1-800-847-8929) or logging onto www.nysthruway.gov. Additionally, motorists can 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/.

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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