Nearly 200 trucks stopped during New York bridge strike enforcement effort

New York State Police (NYSP) released the results from a weeklong special enforcement effort to curb bridge strikes.

The enforcement campaign meant to reduce bridge strikes on state parkways and other roads with low bridges took place statewide in New York from Monday, November 9 through Sunday, November 15.

“During the enforcement detail, Troopers focused on New York State Parkways and other roads where there have been documented bridge strikes by large commercial vehicles. Commercial trucks are banned on parkways, but operators guided by consumer-grade GPS devices can end up on parkways, and when that occurs a bridge strike is inevitable. Consumer GPS devices to do not include information about low bridges, truck drivers are required to instead use commercial-grade GPS systems which provide details about low bridges and restricted routes,” NYSP explained.

Troopers say that they stopped a total of 196 trucks and issued 50 citations during the low bridge enforcement effort. Twenty one citations were issued for unauthorized use of a restricted vehicle on parkway, 18 were issued for failure to obey a traffic control device, and 11 citations were issued for  issued for exceeding posted bridge capacity, weight or clearance.

NYSP says that troopers stopped 30 commercial vehicles on state parkways in the Lower Hudson Valley and Long Island during the weeklong effort.

Educational materials were also distributed to provide truck drivers with information on how to avoid bridge strikes.

State Police Superintendent Keith M. Corlett said, “State Troopers will continue to work with our state agency partners to reduce the number of low bridge hits, which are a safety hazard for motorists and lead to traffic disruption and property damage. Our collaboration on education and enforcement is an effective way to raise awareness and improve safety for all motorists.”