New York state law enforcement officials this week will increase patrols in an effort to reduce speeding and other traffic safety violations. 

The campaign to crackdown on speeding began Sunday and runs until Aug. 21, Gov. Kathy Hochul's office said. 

"There are countless risks and tragic consequences to speeding, and I want all New Yorkers to be mindful of the speed limits in your area," Hochul said. "This enforcement campaign will be crucial not only to catch speeders but also to encourage all drivers to maintain safe speeds on our roadways, and I encourage all New Yorkers to take your time and get to your destination safely."

Last year during Speed Awareness Weeks, law enforcement officials issued 23,087 tickets for speeding as well as 32,170 tickets for other violations such as impaired or distracted driving. 

Higher speeds can make for more dangerous driving, according to research. A report from the Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research at the Rockefeller College at the University at Albany found unsafe speed was one of the factors in 353 fatal crashes in 2021 and 317 crashes in 2020. 

The speed awareness campaign comes after Hochul last week signed legislation allowing municipal governments to lower speed limits to 25 mph.