State police joins Canada in border enforcement

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New York state troopers are teaming up with their colleagues across the U.S.-Canada border to ensure traffic safety during the upcoming national holiday weekend in both nations.

The initiative, called “Safety Without Borders,” will target traffic violations such as speeding, failure to wear seat belts, impaired driving and use of hand-held electronic devices on roads in the proximity of the major international border crossings. 

Between July 1, which is Canada Day, and July 4 Independence Day, traffic enforcement will be heightened around border crossings in Buffalo, Niagara Falls, the Thousand Islands and Champlain.

“These areas are gateways to vacation destinations on both sides of the border and it is our intention to ensure that international travelers reach those destinations safely,” said State Police Superintendent Joseph A. D’Amico.

The New York State Police, Ontario Provincial Police and Surete du Quebec organized a similar one day initiative in the Niagara and Champlain Regions on April 22.  Due to the success of that effort and anticipated high traffic volumes, the strategy is being expanded to include the Thousand Islands crossing.