KING OF PRUSSIA, PA — Southeast Pennsylvania motorists can expect to see an increased police presence on the roads over the next few weeks. This is in response to a statewide mobilization targeting aggressive drivers. More than 80 Police Departments from Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties will be taking part in the effort, which runs through August 21. Officials say that they hope this crackdown will help reduce the number of crashes, injuries, and fatalities on area roadways.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is gearing up for a statewide enforcement wave targeting aggressive driving behaviors. The enforcement will focus on heavy truck violations, pedestrian safety, red-light running, and tailgating. Motorists exhibiting other unsafe behaviors such as driving too fast for conditions, following too closely, or other aggressive actions will also be cited.
PennDOT will use a variety of strategies to identify and cite aggressive drivers, including traffic enforcement zones, saturation patrols, speed enforcement details, corridor enforcement, work zone enforcement, and multi-jurisdictional patrol strategies. The enforcement is part of Pennsylvania’s Highway Safety Program and is funded by part of PennDOT’s investment of federal funds from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
During the enforcement wave, law enforcement officers will be out in force looking for aggressive drivers. Drivers are reminded to slow down, obey the posted speed limit, and use caution when passing other vehicles. Aggressive driving is a leading cause of crashes and injuries on Pennsylvania roads, so everyone is urged to do their part to help make our roads safer.
Aggressive drivers can make even the shortest trip stressful and dangerous. If you encounter an aggressive driver, the best thing to do is to try to avoid them. Get out of their way and don’t challenge them by speeding up or trying to block them from passing. If they are tailgating you, slow down and let them pass. It’s also important to stay relaxed and not make eye contact or respond to any rude gestures they may make. If you are driving slower than most of the traffic, don’t block the passing lane. And never attempt to follow or pursue an aggressive driver. If you feel threatened, you or a passenger can call the police. But, if you use a cell phone, pull over to a safe location first. By following these tips, you can help defuse a dangerous situation and keep yourself safe.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, aggressive driving is a major problem on the state’s roads. In 2021, there were 1,483 aggressive driving crashes in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties, resulting in 27 fatalities. These crashes involve at least two aggressive driving factors, such as running stop signs or red lights, tailgating, careless turning or passing, and driving too fast for conditions. To help reduce the number of these accidents, PennDOT is conducting targeted enforcement operations throughout the state. Any aggressive driver stopped by police will receive a ticket.
You can learn more about this issue and other PennDOT safety initiatives by visiting www.PennDOT.pa.gov/safety.
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