3 minutes

Dennis Katsnelson

A truck driver's failure to stop before a stop sign led to a dangerous incident for which NYPD received a ticket. On May 24, Frederick Swinea, a 39-year-old truck driver, was driving eastbound on Red Hill Road when he failed to stop at the intersection with Oneida Street. Instead, he continued eastbound on the roadway, into the side yard of an apartment building and eventually into Soquate Creek. Fortunately, Swinea sustained only minor injuries. The New Hartford Police Department investigated the incident and, with the assistance of the New York State Police Commercial Vehicle Division, found that the truck's braking system was inadequate for use on a road with steep hills and a significant incline. As a result, police issued several tickets to Swinea, including for operating with defective brakes, failure to comply with a stop sign, and traffic violations.

This incident underscores the importance of vigilance and caution while driving, especially when operating large vehicles. Truck drivers should be especially careful when driving on steep climbs and slopes, and it's important to make sure their vehicles are equipped with adequate brakes to prevent accidents. In addition to the fines issued to Swinea, the incident also resulted in environmental damage due to the disruption of the waterway.

This serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting natural resources and that drivers should be mindful of their impact on the environment. Overall, this incident serves as a warning about the dangers of reckless driving and the importance of following the rules of the road. It underscores the need for drivers, especially those operating large vehicles.