OVERVIEW:
The St. Lawrence County Traffic Safety Program is a partnership of agencies and individuals working to identify priority traffic safety problems and plan viable solutions in order to reduce the number of crashes, injuries and fatalities on the road in St. Lawrence County.
What Traffic Safety Offers to Public:
The Traffic Safety Program is here for the general public to help teach and inform them of any traffic related topic. With the program we are able to offer presentations on traffic safety topics,(teen driver safety, older drivers, car seat safety, bicycle safety, etc.) to any company, school, or agency that would like to have a speaker or any information regarding Traffic Safety. To request a speaker contact:
Michele James, Coordinator, (STOP DWI, Traffic Safety)
Carrie Conger, Traffic Safety Information Specialist
80 State Highway 310 RM 284, Canton New York 13617-1493
Phone: (315) 386-2207 Fax: (315) 386-2435
Press Releases you may have missed in the news!
Winter Driving 12-13-2021
Driving safe in the winter can be a challenge even for the most experienced driver. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 17% of all vehicle crashes occur during winter conditions. North Country drivers need to be prepared for challenging road conditions.
- Maintain your vehicle. Making sure your battery, exhaust, lights, wipers and tires are all checked before heading out on the roads. Never travel with less than half a tank of gas, and remember to keep the washer reservoir full of non-freeze fluid.
- See and be seen. When bad weather happens the best advice is to clean your entire vehicle of snow including all windows, windshield, roof, both front and back brake lights so other drivers can see your intention if you need to stop or turn. It’s the law to drive with your headlights on in inclement weather and as a reminder you can be ticketed for obstruction of view if your vehicle is not properly cleaned.
- Drive slowly. Even if you’re an experienced driver or your vehicle has good traction drive slow, don’t disrupt the flow of traffic by driving faster than everyone else. Article 1180 of NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law states: “No person shall drive a vehicle at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard to the actual and potential hazards then existing”.
- Plan ahead. Let someone know where you are going, what time you plan on arriving, plan your route so that they know exactly where you will be.
- Share the road with snowplows. One of the safest places to be during a winter storm is behind a snowplow, where you will find the clearest roads and the best traction. Passing a snow plow is extremely dangerous; a snowplow creates a ridge of snow to its side. It also picks up a snow cloud causing total white out conditions at times, it can be difficult to see how far the blade of the snow plow is extended which could be several feet ahead of the truck and up to 30 inches beyond the truck’s width. Never pass a snow plow on the right the snowplow operator’s visibility on the right side is limited due to the blades and equipment. Rule of thumb if you can’t see the driver’s side mirrors they can’t see you!
- Driving distance. When inclement weather arrives you should increase your driving distance between vehicles to allow longer safety stopping distance especially on icy, snowy, and slippery surfaces.
- Stalled or Stranded? Never leave your vehicle, it is your best shelter from the weather. Call 911 if possible; tie a piece of bright fabric to your vehicle so rescuers can see you easier. Run the engine periodically for heat and light; remember to periodically remove snow from your exhaust pipe to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
As you travel this winter, it’s a great idea to keep a bag of essential equipment in your vehicle. Consider having these important preparedness items. Your survival may depend on it. Flashlight, jumper cables, sand or kitty litter (for traction), shovel, snowbrush, ice scrapper, flares or other warning devices, extra blankets, hats, mittens, boots for everyone in the vehicle, cell phone and charger, extra batteries, for long trips, have water, food and medication.
Also as a reminder before heading out check the weather and road conditions. The New York State Travel Information will let you know about weather conditions and road closures at: 511NY.org.
For more information about winter driving contact Carrie Conger at 315-386-2207, or cconger@stlawco.org.
The St. Lawrence County Program is funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration with a grant from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee.
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Teen Driving
Motor vehicle crashes are still a leading cause of death for U.S. teens 15 to 19 years old. In 2017 3,255 teens were involved in a fatal motor vehicle crash and increase from 2016. According to NHTSA research immaturity and inexperience are primary factors contributing to these deadly crashes; driving at nighttime, driving after drinking under the influence, and driving distracted by passengers and electronic devices.
Parents can play an important role in helping ensure their teen drivers take smart steps to stay safe on the road.
NHTSA’s website, www.safercar.gov/parents, has detailed information and statistics on teen driving and five basic rules parents can use to help save the lives of teen drivers:
Distracted Driving. Distractions while driving are more than just risky they can be deadly. 1 out of 3 teens admitted to texting while driving. Texting while driving can increase your chances of crashing by 23 times and just simply dialing the phone by 6 times. Remind your teen about the dangers of texting, dialing, or using mobile apps while driving, it only takes five seconds for a crash. Unfortunately distracted driving doesn’t just involve cell phone use. Other passengers, changing the radio, and eating/drinking are other examples of the dangerous distractions for teen drivers.
Seat belts save lives. As teens start driving and gaining independence, they don't always make the smartest decisions regarding their safety. Wearing a seat belt is one of the simplest ways for teens to stay safe in a vehicle and it is required in all 50 States. Yet seatbelt use is the lowest amongst teenage drivers and passengers. In 2016 818 teen drivers and 569 teen passengers were involved in fatal vehicle crashes, as a result of not wearing their seatbelts. Remind your teen that it’s important for everyone to buckle up on every trip, every time, no matter what.
Drunk /drug driving. Teens put themselves and others in a serious amount of danger when they get behind the wheel of a car while under the influence. Underage drinking is illegal as well as driving under the influence of any impairing substance. In 2016 one in five teens were involved in fatal crashes that had been drinking. Remind your teen that driving under the influence of any impairing substance could have deadly consequences and is strictly enforced.
Passengers. Extra passengers in a teen’s car can lead to disastrous results. According to data analyzed by NHTSA, teen drivers were two-and-a-half times more likely to engage in one or more potentially risky behaviors when driving with one teenage peer compared to when driving alone. And the likelihood of teen drivers engaging in risky behaviors triples when traveling with multiple passengers
Stop Speeding. Speeding is a critical issue for all drivers, especially teens. In 2016 32% of teen drivers involved in a fatal crash were speeding at the time of the crash. Remind your teen to drive within the speed limit.
Drowsy Driving. . Teens are busier than ever – studying, extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, and schooling. However, with all of these activities, teens tend to compromise something very important: sleep. This habit can lead to drowsy driving. According to NHTSA In 2016, teen drivers (aged 15-18) accounted for almost one out of every 10 fatal drowsy driving crashes. Make sure your teen gets a good night’s sleep, and limit their nighttime driving. Remember too little sleep can also impact their performance in the classroom and during extracurricular activities.
As a parent, you are the number one influence on your teen driver’s safety. Start the conversation early before your teen starts driving, be a role model to look up to; show your teens how to drive safe by having good driving habits yourself. Set the rules of the road, no cell phones, no passengers, no speeding, no alcohol, and no driving when tired, and remind them to always buckle up.
General information
General information on passenger and commercial travel
National statistics and comprehensive information on a variety of topics
Commercial Vehicles
Provides information on sharing our highways with commercial vehicles
Rail Safety
A non-profit group devoted to preventing collisions along rail rights-of-way and at highway/rail intersections
Impaired Driving
Local statistics and links to national sites
Child Passenger Safety/Youth and Traffic Safety
1. Manufacturer
2. Model number
3. Date of manufacture
You can also check for recalls on-line, and obtain news and information at:
Senior Driving and Disability Issues
You should enter your zip code and choose the number of miles you are willing to travel. The course list/contact info. should pop up.
The toll-free number is (877) 846-3299.
ADED: Association of Driver Rehabilitation SpecialistsDirectory of people qualified to evaluate driving skills of individuals
Assistance addressing concerns about an unsafe aging driver
Point and Insurance Reduction Classes and Internet (On-line) Courses
To reduce your driver violation point total by a maximum of four points, and save a maximum of 10 percent on your automobile liability insurance premiums, take a DMV-approved accident prevention course. Please check with your Insurance Company regarding the discount that applies, and the Department of Motor Vehicles for information on reducing license points. A list of local course providers follows.
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American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)
On-line: www.aarpdriversafety.org
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1-800-350-7025 | |||
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American Automobile Association (AAA)
On-line: www.aaa.com/defensivedriving
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1-844-708-0968 | |||
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American Safety Council, Inc.
On-line: www.NewYorkSafetyCouncil.com
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1-877-689-0674 | |||
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America Safety
On-line: www.bigappletrafficschool.com
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800-800-7121 | |||
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Driver Training Associates (DTA) www.ticketschool.com/NY |
1-800-558-9887 | |||
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Empire Safety Council
On-line: www.empiresafetycouncil.com
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800-246-3603 | |||
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I DRIVE SAFELY
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877-860-5275 | |||
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National Safety Council
On-line: www.drivesafe.com/NY
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800-962-3434 | |||
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National Safety Council of Central & Western NY
On-line: www.safetycouncilny.org
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800-255-1300 | |||
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National Traffic Safety Institute
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1-800-733-6874
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New York Safety Program
On-line: www.nysponline.com
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888-292-0397 | |||
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Online Defensive Driving Course by Improv
On-line: www.MyImprovNewYork.com |
800-660-8908 | |||
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USA Training Company
On-line: www.NewYorkDefensiveDriving.com
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800-972-4659 |
The St. Lawrence County Traffic Safety Program is funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration with a grant from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee
