The State Police this year ramped up its enforcement of vehicle and traffic safety in construction zones, issuing hundreds more tickets for speeding, seatbelt, and cellphone violations. 

"Building and maintaining a 21st century transportation system cannot be done without the work performed by highway construction workers and it's imperative we do all we can to make their jobs as safe as possible," Cuomo said. 

"Preventing tragedies takes everyone working together, so while the state will continue to crack down on those who endanger those working on our roadways, I am urging all New Yorkers to not only obey the speed limit and other traffic laws, but to do the right thing and use care while traveling through work zones."

All together, New York State Police issued 1,779 tickets in this year's Operation Hardhat, an increase from 1,048 tickets in the previous year's effort. 

The push ran from July to November, drawing in the Department of Transportation and the state Thruway Authority. Tickets ranged from speeding to seatbelt usage as well as failing to move over or obey a flagger.