39th Annual Pumpkin Patrol Will Help Protect Motorists This Weekend

We've all heard, or read, about stories involving pumpkins or other items being thrown at vehicles during Halloween. Some have had tragic consequences. Once again this year, the Pumpkin Patrol will be out in full force to help protect motorists on the New York State Thruway, according to the Hudson Valley News Network.

This Friday and Saturday, New York State Police Troop T and citizen volunteers will monitor Thruway overpasses as well as local citizen band radio clubs, and amateur radio operators. They'll be able to report any unusual activity to State Police or local law enforcement, plus Troop T will keep watch for other violations including speeding, driving while intoxicated, and operating mobile electronic devices while driving, according to the Hudson Valley News Network.

The Pumpkin Patrol began in 1976 by Katherine St. Jacques in Fort Johnson, Montgomery County as a result of her conversation with a truck driver on CB radio when the windshield of his vehicle was struck by an object thrown from an overpass. According to the Hudson Valley News Network, the State Police assumed control of the Pumpkin Patrol in 1990 as part of its crime prevention efforts.  More than 300 volunteers are expected to participate this year.