The New York State Police announced their participation in a statewide, multi-agency traffic safety initiative aimed at reducing crashes involving teen drivers as graduation season approaches. Additionally, all police departments throughout Rockland County will also be taking part in the coordinated enforcement effort.
Each year, communities across New York experience tragic losses of high school students in traffic-related incidents in the weeks leading up to graduation. In response, the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee launched the “No Empty Chair” campaign in 2014, symbolizing the absence of a graduating senior lost to a preventable crash.
The week-long campaign will run from Monday, April 20 through Friday, April 24, 2026, with State Police and local law enforcement agencies conducting targeted enforcement efforts to address common traffic violations during this critical period.
Throughout the initiative, Troopers will focus on a different traffic safety risk each day while continuing to enforce all vehicle and traffic laws. The campaign also includes “Operation Safe Stop,” which promotes school bus safety through education and enforcement.
The daily enforcement themes are as follows:
- Monday: Underage drinking and impaired driving
- Tuesday: Seatbelts and child restraints
- Wednesday: Cell phone use and texting while driving
- Thursday: Operation Safe Stop (school bus safety)
- Friday: Speeding in school zones
Authorities noted that Troopers will utilize both marked patrol vehicles and Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement (CITE) vehicles, which blend in with regular traffic but are equipped with emergency lighting to identify themselves when necessary. These vehicles are particularly effective in detecting distracted driving violations.
Officials also reminded motorists of New York State’s driver violation point system, which includes penalties such as:
- Speeding: 3 to 11 points depending on severity
- Improper cell phone use: 5 points
- Seatbelt violations (under age 16): 3 points
- Child safety seat violations: 3 points
- Failure to stop for a school bus: 8 points
The New York State Police emphasized that safe driving habits are essential in protecting young drivers and ensuring that students reach graduation safely, without tragedy.
