State police will continue to target speeding and aggressive drivers during a special traffic enforcement initiative through June 12 in St. Lawrence County and the rest of the state.

This year's "Speed Week" enforcement crackdown started June 6. Troopers will also actively patrol highway work zones and will target drivers who violate New York's "Move Over" Law.

"We will not tolerate speeding and reckless driving for a very simple reason: it puts everyone at risk and speeding is the leading cause of fatal crashes each year in New York State," Governor Andrew Cuomo said. "We urge all drivers to make safety the top priority, obey speed limits, put down your electronic devices, and move over when you see emergency vehicles and highway workers on the side of the road."

Speeding is listed as a contributing factor in nearly one third of all fatal crashes in New York State. According to the Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research (ITSMR) at the University at Albany, in 2017, 301 people were killed and 18,178 were injured in New York State in speed-related crashes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for people ages three to 33.

During this "Speed Week" enforcement period, Troopers will be using both marked State Police vehicles and Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement (CITE) vehicles as part of the operation.

The CITE vehicles allow Troopers to more easily identify motorists who are violating laws while driving. These vehicles blend in with everyday traffic but are unmistakable as emergency vehicles once the emergency lighting is activated.

Speeding by all vehicle types, as well as other traffic violations, will be heavily enforced throughout the week in addition to normal year-round enforcement. Troopers will also be watching for other traffic violations, including distracted or impaired drivers, vehicle occupants who are not properly buckled up, and drivers that are violating New York's Move Over law.