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States Acting to Reduce Aggressive Driving

10 January 2001

States Acting to Reduce Aggressive Driving

    Legislative, Enforcement and Education Seek to Ease Dangerous Behavior

    WASHINGTON, Jan. 9 Results of a report released today by
The National Association of Governors' Highway Safety Representatives (NAGHSR)
revealed that states across the country are actively responding to a
significant highway safety challenge -- aggressive driving. The term
aggressive driving refers to a whole range of driving behaviors including
speeding, red light running, failing to yield, following too closely and
unsafe lane changing. Usually, aggressive driving occurs when two or more of
these behaviors occur during a single, continuous driving period.
    NAGHSR members are responsible for administering federally funded state
highway safety programs. The report showed that the states are responding to
this challenge through legislative action, greater enforcement of current laws
and through public information and education campaigns.

    Legislative Action
    Four states -- Arizona, Delaware, Nevada and Rhode Island -- have laws
specifically targeting aggressive drivers while several other states have
legislation pending.  Since the majority of states do not have specific
aggressive driving laws, most target the problem with laws already passed such
as reckless driving, negligent driving or vehicular manslaughter. Since an
aggressive driver commits a series of these acts together, many states are
charging the driver with each of the observed offensives. According to John
Moffat, Chair of NAGHSR, "Charging the driver with each offense makes a strong
statement that this dangerous behavior will not be tolerated."

    Enforcement
    Enforcement of state traffic laws is one way of holding aggressive drivers
accountable for their actions. Moffat believes that, "It shows that the
behavior is serious and that those committing it will be punished. Frequent
and well-publicized enforcement of these laws has been shown to be one of the
most effective methods of reducing the problem."
    Thirty-one states indicated that they have some type of special aggressive
driving enforcement effort, though the method varies significantly from state
to state.
    Enforcement efforts include:

    *  Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, New York,
       Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina and Washington -- Unmarked
       vehicles regularly patrol watching for aggressive driving. South
       Carolina and Washington also use special enforcement teams on targeted
       roadways to concentrate on aggressive behavior.
    *  Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, and Virginia
       -- These states use aircraft or helicopters for enforcement.
    *  Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Pennsylvania and Washington
       D.C. -- These states use the latest technology in enforcement efforts
       including: signs that display the driver's speed and upcoming road
       conditions, helicopters that can electronically download images to
       squad cars, laser devices that photograph an offending driver's license
       plate, and automated enforcement at intersections.

    Public Information and Education Campaigns
    Twenty-four states have a public education campaign that focuses on the
dangers of aggressive driving and provides safety tips. Frequently, these
campaigns publicize enforcement efforts or promote phone numbers for reporting
unsafe driving behavior. Moffat believes, "These campaigns really get the
message out and serve as an important deterrent to potential aggressive
drivers."
    Moffat concludes that, "State highway safety agencies believe that
aggressive driving is a serious problem and most are devoting resources to
finding a solution. I'm confident that through legislation, enforcement and
education instances of aggressive driving will be reduced."