As the upcoming weekend promises the sight of over 8,000 antique and vintage automobiles, local law enforcement agencies are preparing for the influx of spectators anticipated to reach into the tens of thousands. The Syracuse Nationals, an annual event celebrated for being the grandest car exhibition in the Northeast, is marking its quarter-century milestone. Hosted within the confines of the New York State Fairgrounds, the spectacle spans a total of three days, commencing on Friday and concluding on Sunday.
During the time of the showcase, certain specific issues tend to arise associated with the Syracuse Nationals weekend. These problematic behaviors mainly comprise motorists doing ‘burnouts,’ indulging in reckless driving, or participating in unauthorized races with fellow drivers. In earlier versions of the auto event, vast crowds numbering in the hundreds congregated along Erie Boulevard East to witness the continuous stream of automobiles.
The Syracuse Police Department is acutely aware of these concerns and aiming to curb any hazardous driving practices. A representative from the department expressed their earnest concerns about speed violations, unauthorized drag races, and generally reckless vehicular conduct. While the spirit of enjoyment is encouraged, the spokesperson emphasized that the metropolis of Syracuse is an inappropriate venue for such potentially dangerous activities.
The police department is determined to enforce a ‘zero-tolerance’ policy concerning these aforementioned ventures. Actions like ‘burnout,’ dangerous driving, or operating vehicles under the influence of substances would not be tolerated. Violation of these rules could lead to stringent consequences such as issuing of tickets, arrests, and even towing away of the offender’s vehicle.
In anticipation of the immense turnout at the car exhibition, local police forces are coordinating their efforts to maintain peace and order. Alongside the City Police, the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office and the State Police have also announced their plans to increase patrolling during this period. All three agencies are set to be on high alert, owing to the heightened vehicular movement caused by the event.
A spokesperson for the Syracuse Police elucidated on their modus operandi during the occasion, highlighting the fact that these events usually result in surge of vehicles in Syracuse. As a part of their strategy, they plan to bolster patrolling in and around the Inner Harbor and deploy their traffic division entirely for surplus crowd management.
In order to deal with the high traffic volumes expected during major event hours, police patrols will be strategically positioned around Hiawatha Boulevard and Solar Street. These areas are predicted to bear the brunt of the bulging motor traffic, especially during the peak registration hours for the event when cars would be flowing in and out regularly.
Considering the possible traffic congestion in the above-mentioned regions, the Police Department has disseminated a friendly advisory to regular commuters. Motorists equipped with alternative route plans, and devoid of necessity to visit these areas during the car showcase registrations, are encouraged to circumvent the sections of Hiawatha Boulevard and Solar Street for smoother transition.