The police ensure speed is respected and raise awareness about speed

This week, New York Police Departments are participating in Speed ​​Awareness Week to improve safety on roadways across the state.

It’s another day on the job for Port Jervis Town Police Officer Seth Mortenson. It uses radar and monitors cars potentially exceeding the speed limit.

“Our goal is to reinforce and educate speed awareness. So it would be traffic enforcement talking to drivers who are speeding in the city,” Mortenson said.

It was positioned near a school, where the speed limit is 20 miles per hour during the school day.

“Just because you’re stopped for speeding doesn’t necessarily mean you’re going to get a ticket. A lot of times it’s about informing and talking to drivers about the risks of driving fast and speeding in the city, explaining to them why it’s dangerous and what’s happening,” Mortenson said.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 30% of all traffic fatalities in New York include speed as a contributing factor.

Law enforcement is increasing patrols during Speed ​​Awareness Week in hopes of improving road safety.

“I understand that not everyone is happy to be stopped for speeding, but the reality is that it is dangerous. This causes a lot of accidents. That’s a lot of deaths. And we want to do what we can to prevent that, to make all drivers on the road safer,” Mortenson said.

With warmer weather and schools closing for the summer, Mortenson said it’s extremely important to be aware of children playing outside.

“Always be careful, especially when you’re in the city, when there are pedestrians everywhere, there are cyclists everywhere. Just because the speed limit is 30 miles per hour doesn’t mean it’s always appropriate to go 30 miles per hour, depending on the conditions you’re driving in,” Mortenson said.

Police said obeying speed limits can save your license, money and gas.

“If this education happens, you know, a ticket is not necessary. And I think that teaches them, ‘OK, next time I go through town, I’m going to slow down,'” Mortenson said.