Safety Tips & Emergency Information

Safety and Service

The Thruway Authority is firmly committed to providing a high level of safety and service. This can only be achieved through a sound and well-maintained infrastructure of highways and bridges.

As a result of innovative and continuous safety improvements, and a dedicated State Police Troop, the Thruway has continuously been recognized as one of the safest highways in the nation. The Authority is very proud of its safety record, operating one of the largest and safest superhighways in the nation.

A primary measure of safety is the fatality rate, which is calculated as the number of fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles (MVM) traveled. In 2008, there were 28 fatal accidents on the Thruway resulting in 33 deaths, reflecting a fatality rate of 0.32, the third lowest rate in Thruway history.

The fatality rate along the Thruway remains significantly below the national average as calculated by the National Center for Statistics and Analysis (NCSA) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Emergency Service

For emergencies on the Thruway please call 1-800-842-2233 or 911.

Disabled Vehicle

Disabled vehicles should not stop in the travel lanes. If possible, move well off the roadway, or to the next exit or another safe location. New York State law permits motorists to move vehicles to a safe spot following an accident or breakdown. Tie a white cloth to the left door handle or radio antennae and wait for help to arrive. For your own safety, stay with your vehicle.

Roadside Service

For the safety of all Thruway travelers, only authorized Thruway contract garages are allowed to service disabled vehicles on the Thruway for minor repairs. Thruway fuel stations no longer offer this roadside service. Minor repairs include tire changes, battery boosts, and supplying fuel, oil, water and/or anti-freeze. To contact a garage closest to you call 1-800-842-2233. 

Major Repairs

Authorized off-Thruway garages handle towing and major repairs that cannot be done along the Thruway. The garages also provide both roadside and major repairs on the Niagara, New England and Berkshire sections, I-84*and I-287. To contact a garage closest to you call 1-800-842-2233. 

*Maintained by the Authority, under contract with DOT

Service Charges

A standard roadside service charge prevails 24 hours a day on the Thruway. Labor and materials are additional. These rates are comparable to off-Thruway rates. For more information, please call 518-436-3079.

Towing

Charges by authorized garages for towing are based on initial hook-up and subsequent miles towed and are competitive with off-Thruway prices. For more information, please call 518-436-3079.

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Safe Driving Tips

Buckle Up-It's the Law

Protect yourself and your loved ones by using seat belts at all times. New York State law states:

• All front seat occupants must wear seat belts. (if the front seat passenger is under the age of 16, it is the driver's responsibility to ensure that the passenger is buckled up.)
  
  
• For New York State Law based on child passengers click here (This link will open in a new browser window).
  

Air bag precautions

• Never place a rear-facing infant safety seat in the front seat of a vehicle equipped with air bags.
  
  
• Children 12 and under should always ride in the back seat wearing seat belts.
  
  
• All passengers, regardless of age or seating position, should buckle up.
  
  
• Small, pregnant and older adults seated in front seats should sit as far away from the steering wheel or dashboard as comfortably possible. Also, steering wheels should be held on the sides and tilt steering wheels should be adjusted down, toward the chest.
  
  

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Use Caution in Work Zones

Be aware of maintenance vehicles and warning signs signaling maintenance or construction zones on the highway and reduce your speed as signs indicate. Workers are there to improve the highway for your future trips, so don't risk your life or theirs by traveling at excessive speed through work zones. Motorists are reminded that speeding fines are doubled in work zones.

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Don't Tailgate

It is dangerous to drive too closely to the vehicle ahead of you. To provide enough space between you and the vehicle ahead of you, use the "three-second rule." Choose an object near or above the road ahead, such as a sign, tree or overpass. As the vehicle ahead passes it, count aloud slowly: "One thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three." If you reach the object before you finish counting, you are following too closely. When weather, driving conditions or visibility is poor, increase the count to four or five seconds to allow for more time.

Keep to the Right

If vehicles accumulate behind you while you are traveling in the left (passing) lane, safely move into the right lane and permit faster-moving vehicles to pass.

Signal Your Intentions

Change lanes carefully and always use directional signals to indicate intentions to the drivers around you.

Look Behind You

Check your rear-view mirrors frequently for fellow motorists. But remember, mirrors have blind spots, so check carefully before changing lanes.

Use Headlights

Whenever weather or other conditions limit visibility to 1,000 feet or less, or when windshield wipers are on, turn on headlights.

Don't Drive When Drowsy

It is a good idea to take frequent safety breaks at one of the 27 Travel Plazas along the highway.  Rest areas are also good spots to pull over to take a break.

Be Mindful of Deer Crossing

The Thruway Authority also urges motorists to be watchful for deer, especially during May-June and October-November.

Tips to ensure a safe ride:

• Always buckle your seat belt
• Stay awake, alert, and never drink and drive.
• Be alert for deer along the highway, especially at sunrise and sunset during the spring and fall
• Slow down if you see deer along the highway or ahead of you
• If you see one deer cross the highway, expect that additional deer are close by and could follow
• Do not rely on high beams or using your horn to warn deer
• Scan the shoulders of the road for light that is reflected in deer eyes

If you cannot avoid a collision with a deer:

• Do not swerve to avoid the deer. The most serious collisions occur when drivers swerve at highway speeds
• Firmly apply your brake, hold onto the steering wheel, and bring your vehicle to a controlled stop
• Do not touch the deer
• Report the accident by calling the Thruway Authority emergency telephone number (1-800-842-2233), or 911

For further information please visit the New York State Department of Transportation's website at https://www.nysdot.gov/programs/deerandmoose.