Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee Targets Likely Speeders Through Continued Partnership with Rochester Red Wings

The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) announced today it is once again partnering with the Rochester Red Wings to deliver targeted traffic safety messaging to fans during baseball games. This is the second year GTSC has sponsored the team to raise awareness about the dangers of speeding, impaired driving and the importance of seatbelt usage. In addition to the partnership, GTSC will also launch a larger digital media campaign to highlight the dangers of speeding, and GTSC will fund a special speed and impaired driving enforcement detail in Monroe County. From Wednesday, June 25 through Friday, June 27, law enforcement officers will target speeding, impaired driving, improper seat belt usage, as well as other unsafe driving behaviors like Move Over Law violations.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Rochester Red Wings to work toward our shared goal of improving traffic safety not only in Monroe County, but all of New York,” said Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner and GTSC Chair Mark J.F. Schroeder. "This unique partnership helps us to deliver a targeted message to an audience that needs to know that speeding kills.”  

“We’re proud to continue our partnership with the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee in promoting safer roads for everyone in our community,” said Dan Mason, General Manager of the Rochester Red Wings. “Our ballpark is more than a place for baseball—it’s a gathering space for families and fans of all ages. Supporting traffic safety initiatives helps ensure they arrive safely and return home the same way. Together, we’re fostering a culture of awareness, responsibility, and care throughout the Rochester region.”  

Through this partnership with the Rochester Red Wings, GTSC is sponsoring the Thruway Cup Series -- an annual competition among Minor League Baseball's Buffalo Bisons, Rochester Red Wings and Syracuse Mets of the International League. Throughout the regular season, GTSC will be sponsoring multiple traffic safety awareness events at Innovative Field that will also be bolstered by a statewide public awareness digital media campaign. GTSC will run ads on social media, streaming video, gaming websites, billboards and more to target likely speeders.  

As part of New York State’s 2024-2026 Triennial Highway Safety Plan, GTSC identified the city of Rochester as a high-risk location for traffic crashes and fatalities. Unsafe speed was the leading contributing factor of fatal crashes in Monroe County. Crash data from the Institute for Traffic Safety Management & Research (ITSMR) shows male drivers ages 20 to 29 are the most over-represented group in speed-related fatal crashes. An analysis of all speed-related crashes from 2022 and 2023 shows that these crashes occur most often during the lunch (Noon-3:00pm) and “happy hour” (3:00pm-6:00pm) time frames. In New York State, one-third of all traffic fatalities list speeding as a contributing factor.  

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “Every year there are needless tragedies, and a wake of victims left behind because of poor decisions made behind the wheel. The New York State Police continues the mission to fight against speeding, impaired driving and reminding New Yorkers that it takes just a few seconds to buckle up. I thank the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee and our partners in law enforcement for their collaboration to educate and bring awareness about the consequences of unsafe driving.”

Monroe County Executive Adam J. Bello said, “Thanks to the Governor’s Traffic Safety Partnership and the Rochester Red Wings for bringing necessary attention to the dangers of speeding and impaired driving, especially during the summer months. We want everyone to enjoy the Thruway Cup, Jazz Fest, and the variety of activities that make summers in Monroe County so enjoyable – but we also want everyone to get home from them safely. Slow down, wear your seat belt, and if you choose to consume alcohol, be sure to Have a Plan.”  

The GTSC funds community traffic safety projects statewide which include education and outreach about the dangers of speeding. Some of these programs focus on young drivers in their high schools and require that they sign a pledge to drive safely as a condition of receiving a school parking permit. Partners, including the New York State Police, also distribute educational materials at community events, auto shows, and county fairs which highlight the risks of speeding and the potential penalties.  

James Quattrone, Chautauqua County Sheriff and President of the NYS Sheriffs’ Association, said, “Rooting for your local sports teams is a great way to enjoy games and bond with your community.  What should we all expect when traveling to and from the sporting events?  To be surrounded by safe, courteous, and sober drivers.  The Sheriffs of New York State want you to have fun and enjoy the games but make sure you get there and home by not driving aggressively and having a plan to not drive impaired.”

New York State Association of Chiefs of Police President and City of Batavia Police Department Chief Shawn Heubusch said, “The New York State Association of Chiefs of Police is proud to support the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee and its continued efforts to reduce dangerous driving behaviors through education and enforcement. By partnering with the Rochester Red Wings, GTSC is meeting drivers where they are — delivering life-saving messages in a way that’s accessible, engaging, and impactful. This kind of community-based outreach, paired with targeted enforcement, is essential to changing behavior and saving lives on our roadways.”

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. The app enables New Yorkers to locate and call a taxi or rideshare service and program a designated driver list. It also provides information on DWI laws and penalties and provides a way to report a suspected impaired driver.

About GTSC  
Combined with education and enforcement campaigns, GTSC coordinates various traffic safety activities throughout the year, and supports ongoing initiatives to improve pedestrian, motorcycle and bicycle safety. The GTSC also sponsors critical training for law enforcement, provides resources for teen drivers and their parents, and promotes seatbelt use statewide.  

For more information about traffic safety in New York State, visit the GTSC webpage, or follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram.    

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