Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee Continues Targeted Traffic Safety Partnerships in Rochester and on Long Island

As part of its ongoing “Drive Safe New York” campaign, the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) today reminded New Yorkers of its continuing partnerships to boost traffic safety awareness statewide with the help of a pair of baseball teams and their fans. GTSC is partnering with the Rochester Red Wings for the third year and teaming up with the Long Island Ducks for the second year.

“We are right at the start of the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer, when more of us are on the roads and unfortunately, the likelihood of impaired, reckless and distracted drivers also increases,” said Acting NYS DMV Commissioner Christian Jackstadt. “These sponsorships have been a great way to promote traffic safety in a fun atmosphere, while also being able to target messaging in areas where crash data tracked by our staff shows that it is most needed. It also gives us the opportunity to help those areas find solutions to those traffic safety issues.”

In Rochester and the Monroe County area, the data shows that speeding is a particular problem, serving as the number one contributing factor in fatal crashes. The numbers also have found that young male drivers, between the ages of 20 and 29, are over-represented in those speed-related fatal crashes. A significant number of all speed-related crashes have happened during the typical lunch (Noon – 3 p.m.) and “happy hour” (3-6 p.m.) time frames.

These statistics paint a further picture:

• In 2024, there were more than 18,100 crashes overall in Monroe County, almost 1,700 of which were speed-related.
• 524 crashes were related to alcohol- or drug-impaired drivers, resulting in 281 injuries, including 13 fatalities.

Naomi Silver, President, CEO and COO of the Rochester Red Wings said, “Partnering with the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee for a third consecutive season allows us to use the platform of Red Wings baseball to help deliver an important message to our fans and community. Whether it’s encouraging fans to slow down, avoid distractions, or never drive impaired, we’re proud to support efforts that promote safer roads across Rochester and Monroe County. Baseball brings people together, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to help raise awareness in a meaningful and engaging way throughout the season.”  

As part of today’s announcement, GTSC is also coordinating a special speed, impaired and reckless driving enforcement campaign that will include State Police, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Rochester Police Department and other local departments which will run through Sunday, May 31.

Monroe County Executive Adam Bello said, ““Building safer roads requires investment, planning, and community education,” said County Executive Adam Bello. “Thank you to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee and the Rochester Red Wings for their collaboration in the ‘Drive Safe New York’ campaign. Their partnership in getting the critical message of traffic safety out to the public can help reduce the frequency and severity of accidents and decrease the economic and social burden caused by road incidents.”

GTSC is also continuing its successful partnership with the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League, which includes special traffic safety messaging whenever a Ducks player draws a walk during a game. On Long Island, speeding, impaired driving and pedestrian safety are particular focus areas that we are working to address.

Some of the alarming statistics that show the need for targeted messaging include:

• Nassau and Suffolk counties are consistently ranked among the most dangerous in the state for traffic crashes and fatalities.
• In 2024, there were more than 30,850 crashes on Long Island resulting in a death or injury; 877 of those crashes involved drivers impaired by either alcohol or drugs.
• That same year, there were more nearly 4,700 speed-related crashes.    

Starting with the July 2 game, GTSC will conduct awareness events during the season at Fairfield Properties Ball Park and other locations, as well as through special traffic enforcement mobilizations in conjunction with State Police, Suffolk County Police Department and Sheriff’s Office, and Suffolk County STOP-DWI.  

Sean Smith, General Manager of the Long Island Ducks said, “The Long Island Ducks have been proud to provide affordable family entertainment to the community for over a quarter of a century. Our ballpark has become a prominent community marketing venue for all types of organizations, and we are happy to support the GTSC’s message in keeping Long Islanders as safe as possible.”  

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “We must all share a commitment to making our roads safe, and there’s a tremendous amount of effort and coordination each day to make that happen.  Engaging the motoring public on traffic safety while enjoying America’s pastime is just one more step being taken to discourage irresponsible behavior behind the wheel. I thank the GTSC for their partnership with the Rochester Red Wings and Long Island Ducks to encourage safe driving behavior so baseball fans can enjoy the season week after week.”  

Juan Figueroa, Ulster County Sheriff and President of the New York State Sheriffs Association said, “Memorial Day represents the kickoff of summer fun, but it also starts the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer.  The upcoming months are when there is an increase in impaired and aggressive driving crashes and fatalities.  When enjoying summer activities, like a ball game, the Sheriffs of New York State want you to be courteous and sober drivers so we can all enjoy our activities and be safe on the road.”    

Brighton Police Chief and President of the New York State Chiefs of Police Association David Catholdi said, “We are now in the 100 deadliest days of driving. We've all heard the slogans ‘arrive alive’, ‘speed kills’, ‘you text, you drive, you pay’. Let's all take a moment to heed those warnings and be extra attentive on the roads to have a safe summer.”  

GTSC is also the sponsor of the Thruway Cup Series, which is an annual competition among the Red Wings and their International League counterparts the Buffalo Bisons and Syracuse Mets. It also allows GTSC to sponsor multiple traffic safety awareness events at ESL Ballpark and to connect directly with fans through messaging in the ballpark and online and on the radio during game broadcasts. The first of those awareness events will occur during this evening’s game against the Syracuse Mets and will continue throughout the remainder of the season.  

For federal fiscal year 2026, GTSC has awarded more than $54 million in federal highway safety grants, administered on behalf of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, to support more than 550 traffic safety programs throughout New York State. Those programs and projects include enforcement mobilizations, public education and information campaigns, child passenger safety programs and community awareness projects, awarded to state, local and not-for-profit agencies for the purpose of improving overall highway safety and reducing deaths and serious injuries due to crashes in New York.  

The GTSC and the New York State STOP-DWI Foundation remind motorists that their “Have a Plan” mobile app, is available for Apple, Android and Windows smartphones. Users can locate and call a taxi service or ride share and program a designated driver list. The app also provides information on DWI laws and penalties, and it even allows users to report a suspected impaired driver.  

Visit the GTSC website and follow GTSC on Facebook, X and Instagram for more information about traffic safety resources and awareness efforts.  

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