Traffic safety is an important matter for all families, especially on Long Island, because traffic accidents affect every New Yorker who must travel on the highways and roadways on a daily basis. For people living in Long Island and who travel in this area, it is beneficial to learn about Operation Southern Shield and the ‘100 Deadliest Days.’ Educating yourself can help you keep yourself and your family safe on the road.
What Is Operation Southern Shield?
Operation Southern Shield was a traffic safety enforcement initiative organized and facilitated by the New York State Police in 2026. It focused on the Southern State Parkway in Long Island where many auto accidents occur. The goal of the initiative, according to the information published by the New York State Police, was threefold:
- Reduce preventable accidents.
- Save lives that may have been lost in those prevented crashes.
- Bring more awareness to drivers that their driving habits have consequences.
The operation ran from April 24 through June 30, 2026, and by the numbers, it seems to have been very successful in accomplishing those goals. Some of the reported citations are as follows:
- 906 instances of speeding
- 351 violations for cell phone use
- 46 tickets for failure to move over for a stopped vehicle
- 3,039 other moving violation citations
- 112 arrests for driving while intoxicated
These numbers reflect a successful operation, but they also reflect a serious pre-existing problem. Drivers generally need to exercise more caution when driving and pay closer attention to the task at hand. However, because of the timing of the operation, it is also important to note that the number of violations may have been, in part, a coincidental effect of the “100 Deadliest Days.”
What Are the “100 Deadliest Days”?
The “100 Deadliest Days” is a moniker given to the time period between Memorial Day and Labor Day. This 100-day span sees more traffic accidents than other times of the year, and the uptick is largely attributed to teen drivers on the roadways. According to the National Road Safety Foundation, factors making these days so dangerous include the following:
- Teens are not in school and are, therefore, driving more on the roadways.
- Teenage drivers are less experienced and do not have the driving instincts yet of more experienced adult drivers.
- Teens may drink and drive.
- Teens are prone to other risky behaviors, such as speeding, texting, and not paying attention. In 2022, the percentage of male drivers aged 15 to 20 who were involved in fatal crashes due to speeding was 35%.
Because of the higher risk of accidents on the road during this 100-day span, it is important for drivers to be aware and extra vigilant. Drivers should exercise caution on the highways and in other high-speed areas. It is a good idea to wait an extra second or two at traffic lights and stop signs, as well, in case another driver fails to stop.
What to Do if You Are Involved in an Accident
If you are involved in an accident in the Long Island area, whether you are on a surface street or on your way to work on the Long Island Expressway, there are a few things you can do immediately after the crash to protect yourself:
- Seek medical care. The first and most important thing to do is to get medical attention. Even if you don’t think you are seriously injured, you should get a full evaluation because some injuries are not immediately obvious.
- Call the police. If there is significant property damage, and especially if someone is injured in the accident, you should call the police to report it.
- Exchange insurance information. If it is safe to do so, you should exchange insurance information with the other driver or drivers involved.
- Document the scene. If you are physically able to, you should take photos and videos of the accident scene.
- Hire a car accident lawyer. If you are injured and suspect you may need to pursue compensation, you should reach out to a car accident lawyer as soon as you can. An experienced attorney can help you right away by providing legal guidance.
FAQs
How Many People Are Injured in Car Accidents Each Year?
Millions of Americans are injured in roadway accidents every year. In 2023, more than 2.4 million people in the United States sustained injuries in motor vehicle crashes. Every time we get in a car, we risk injury or death, and many of us do not consider the risk because car travel is such an integral part of modern American life.
What Are the Consequences for Underage DWI in New York?
In New York, there is a zero-tolerance law for driving while intoxicated for people under the age of 21. The blood alcohol threshold for violating this law is 0.02%, which is 25% of the legal limit for drivers 21 and older. A first violation can result in a fine of $125 and a six-month driver’s license suspension.
What Constitutes Distracted Driving?
Any time a driver cannot give their full attention to the road in front of them because of some other activity, that could be considered distracted driving. Common distractions include texting, talking on the phone, eating, applying makeup, or even talking to passengers in the vehicle. Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of accidents.
Does New York Have Laws Against Cell Phone Use While Driving?
Yes. New York has strict laws regarding cell phone use while driving. Having a cell phone in your hand or against your ear, or even appearing to reach for a cell phone, can get you a traffic ticket in New York. Cell phone use is a major source of distraction for drivers in this day and age, so these laws are in response to a serious safety threat for drivers across the state.
Need Legal Representation? Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
If you have been involved in a car accident on Long Island or in the surrounding area and you need to seek compensation for your injuries, you need a strong, competent attorney in your corner. Contact the Law Office of Brett J. Nomberg, PLLC, today. We have been representing injured clients in New York for three decades, and we are ready to assist you, too.
