Since COVID-19, New York has seen a decline in traffic enforcement and worsening traffic safety outcomes, prompting concern from officials at the New York DMV. During its recent Speed Awareness Week (August 4–10), law enforcement issued over 14,000 speeding tickets and nearly 900 impaired driving arrests, underscoring the ongoing challenge of deterring risky driver behavior.

In response, the DMV has proposed boosting enforcement efforts, including expanding a pilot program that uses speed cameras in work zones and high-speed areas. Deputy Commissioner Mary Tanner Richter emphasized that while modern vehicle safety features are improving, driver behaviors such as lower seat-belt use and lax speed compliance are undermining those gains. Richter noted that increased enforcement — particularly visible or automated enforcement through cameras — can encourage safer driving by signaling a greater likelihood of being stopped or observed.

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