Ramapo

Ramapo - State police have doubled the number of speeding tickets issued between exits 15 and 16 on the New York State Thruway following three fatal crashes in that stretch of highway.

The stepped-up enforcement began after nine people were killed in the crashes, although police said speed was not a factor in any of them. Troopers now issue about 79 speeding tickets a day along the Rockland-Orange corridor.

Maj. George Beach II, commander of the troop that patrols the 641-mile Thruway, warned drivers that the ticket blitz would continue through the summer. Aggressive drivers, such as those who tailgate or change lanes abruptly, would also be targeted, he said.

Beach said the stepped-up enforcement would remain until police saw an "appreciable difference" in speeds on that section of highway. The area has a posted speed limit of 65 mph, but most people drive much faster.

Known Speed Traps

• NJ 17 North and South - in the town of Mahwah.
• Route 42 in South Fallsburg, by the Mobil station, speed limit is 30.
• Route 17B in White Lake area, there is construction and the speed limit goes down to 45.
• Route 55 from White Lake through Kauneonga Lake (and back), speed limit is 30!

Always watch for posted speed limits, especially where it changes to a reduced limit.

George Washington Bridge Advisory System

Call 1-877-PA-ROADS (727-6237)

• Press 1 - To report an emergency at the GWB
• Press 2 - For traffic conditions. Once at This message:
  • Press 1 - For New York bound travel time for the upper and lower levels
  • Press 2 - For New Jersey bound travel time for the upper and lower levels
  • Press * - To repeat instructions