Colonie fire chief reminds drivers to be careful on major roads
COLONIE, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- In the wake of a crash on the Northway over the weekend that injured a New York State trooper and tow truck driver, a local fire chief is stressing the importance of safe driving.
Colonie Fire Company Chief Jeff Kayser said, as a retired state trooper, it can be incredibly dangerous to get out of the car on the shoulder of an interstate while cars are traveling at high speeds.
Earlier this year, New York's Move Over law expanded to all vehicles. Now, when there is a vehicle of any kind pulled to the side of the road, drivers must change lanes or slow down if they are unable to safely do so.
"People are too distracted -- cellphones, texting," Chief Kayser said. "Stay in your lane. Move over for flashing lights, whether they're red, blue, yellow, or amber. You have to give them room. They just need to pay more attention and be aware that people have families to go home to when they're working on the side of the road."
This weekend, the annual Football Game for Charity between firefighters from Colonie and Stanford Heights will go toward support for the trooper and tow truck driver injured in the Northway crash.
The game begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9 in Cook Park. It's free to attend, but participating firefighters ask everyone to bring a new, unwrapped toy or some extra money to fill the boots.