By Hank Russell
Members of the New York State Police (NYSP) took part in the statewide Bridge Hit Mitigation Enforcement Campaign from July 26 through July 30, in partnership with the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. The initiative’s goal was to focus on reducing bridge and overpass strikes involving commercial vehicles through education and targeted enforcement.
During the campaign, members of Troop L’s Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit in Farmingdale conducted high-visibility enforcement in areas known for bridge strikes while educating commercial vehicle drivers on safe route planning and bridge clearance requirements. Troopers conducted 48 commercial vehicle inspections, placed four vehicles out of service for safety violations and issued 67 traffic tickets.
On Long Island, commercial vehicles are prohibited from traveling on all parkways because of low bridge clearances. Despite posted restrictions, bridge strikes continue to occur when operators do not know their vehicle’s height or travel on roadways not designated for commercial vehicle traffic.
“Bridge strikes can cause significant damage to transportation infrastructure, lengthy traffic delays, costly repairs, and increase the risk of secondary crashes,” NYSP Troop L said in a statement. “Commercial vehicle operators are encouraged to know the exact height of their vehicle, carefully plan their route and obey all posted bridge clearance signs before traveling.”
The NYSP is also urging commercial vehicle operators to never attempt to drive under a bridge if they are unsure of the available clearance.
“Preventing bridge strikes helps protect New York’s transportation infrastructure, reduces costly repairs, minimizes traffic delays and keeps everyone on the road safer,” Troop L said.