IPD announces Traffic Enforcement initiative

During the winter months the Ithaca Police Department will have extra police officers patrolling the streets of Ithaca looking for various violations of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law. Specifically, officers will be looking for distracted drivers, drunk drivers, and violations for speeding in school zones. Police will be conducting safety check points and roving patrols on different days and different hours.Distracted driving laws cover the use of a cell phone without a hands-free device while operating a motor vehicle. The newest distracted driving law also includes the use of a portable electronic device which includes holding, viewing, transmitting or saving electronic data such as email, text messages or browsing the web. Speed limits in school zones are in effect from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. These violations recklessly place school children and faculty in harm’s way. Driving While Intoxicated offenses are a supreme danger to motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Chief Barber and the rest of the IPD family place DWI enforcement at the top of their list when evaluating safety initiatives. Officers working these enforcement details will be vigilant in their efforts to identify and stop operators in violation of these laws. Officers will also be using a zero-tolerance approach when they observe a violation. Funding for this type of enforcement is paid for by the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program Grant (STEP). The STEP Grant was awarded to Ithaca Police in 2012 by the NYS Governors Traffic Safety Committee. The goal of the Ithaca Police Department, through education and enforcement, is to make roadways safer and decrease traffic crashes within the City of Ithaca.