ALBANY – The New York State Thruway Authority and New York State Police Troop T Thursday announced the launch of the statewide seat belt enforcement initiative, "Buckle Up New York." The 14-day campaign will begin Monday, November 17 and continue until Sunday, November 30, encompassing the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

"To preserve our exceptional safety record, the Authority in cooperation with Troop T will continue its high-profile seat belt compliance enforcement and education initiatives along the New York State Thruway during the next several weeks," said Thruway Authority Executive Director Michael Fleischer. "While the majority of motorists traveling on the Thruway do wear their seatbelts, it is our goal to have 100 percent seat belt compliance."

Beginning Monday, November 17, and continuing through Sunday, November 30, Troop T, along with law enforcement across New York State, will staff safety restraint checkpoints while continuing to patrol the 570-mile New York State Thruway.

"We ask that motorist do their part to help keep the roadways safe. Buckle up today and every day, it saves lives and it's the law," said Troop T Commander Major Robert Meyers. "Every year State Police are called to accident scenes where injuries and fatalities could have been prevented had the operator or passengers been wearing seatbelts."

During last year's "Buckle Up New York" campaign, State Police Troop T issued 2,906 tickets to motorists not wearing their seatbelts while traveling the Thruway. Drivers and front-seat passengers who are 16 years of age and older may be fined up to $50 for failing to buckle up. Drivers who fail to have children properly secured may be fined $100 and receive three points on their license.