Aggressive Drivers Targeted Wednesday In PA

HARRISBURG — Motorists are warned to slow down or face the consequences.

State police are teaming up with PennDOT and Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission to conduct a statewide aggressive-driving crackdown on Wednesday.

The coordinated enforcement is part of an aggressive-driving enforcement wave running through April 24 focused on speeding, distracted driving, and work zone awareness.

State police and more than 300 municipal police departments will step up patrols on roadways that are known to have a high number of aggressive-driving crashes. Speeding tickets result in fines and potential license suspensions.

"Troopers and local law enforcement will be conducting targeted enforcement with the goal of reducing the number of aggressive-driving crashes," said Col. Robert Evanchick of the state police. "These crashes can be prevented by slowing down and limiting distractions behind the wheel."

The goal of targeted enforcement is to reduce the number of aggressive driving related crashes, injuries, and deaths on roadways throughout the state.

Motorists exhibiting other unsafe behaviors such as driving too fast for conditions, following too closely, or making careless lane changes will also be cited.

By the numbers

In 2020, there were 5,615 aggressive-driving crashes, resulting in 91 fatalities and 401 serious injuries.

Preliminary 2021 data indicates fatalities in aggressive-driving crashes – crashes involving two or more aggressive driving factors – may have increased by as much as 40 percent last year.

According to 2020 state police data, troopers issued more than 107,000 speeding citations, including more than 2,000 for driving 100 mph or faster.

In 2021, those numbers saw an increase as speeding citations totaled more than 129,000. In addition, more than 2,200 tickets were issued for driving 100 mph or more.

In 2020, there were 24,978 speeding-related crashes, resulting in 433 fatalities and 1,387 serious injuries.

Why more crashes?

"Aggressive driving involves heightened feelings of stress, anger, or frustration that can lead to dangerous behaviors on our highways," said Robert Schaeffer, executive director of the Highway Safety Network, a nonprofit based in Pottsville, Schuylkill County. "These behaviors can have devastating consequences. Drive patiently and be part of the solution, not the problem."

While many people associate aggressive driving with road rage, they are two different behaviors.

Road rage is a criminal offense and is often the result of aggressive driving behavior that escalates into an assault with a vehicle or other dangerous weapon.

"Safety on our roadways is everyone's responsibility," said PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian.

Mark Compton, Pennsylvania Turnpike CEO, said with more people returning to offices, people seem to have forgotten safe-driving behaviors and may also experience higher levels of distraction and stress.

"Aggressive driving can be triggered by heavy traffic and drivers in a rush,” Compton said. “This type of driving plays a major role in crashes and fatal collisions."

Aggressive-driving includes:

• Making illegal u-turn;
• Improper/careless turning;
• Turning from wrong lane;
• Proceeding w/o clearance after stop;
• Running stop sign;
• Running red light;
• Failure to respond to other traffic control device;
• Tailgating;
• Sudden slowing/stopping;
• Careless passing or lane change;
• Passing in no passing zone;
• Making improper entrance to highway;
• Making improper exit from highway;
• Speeding;
• Driving too fast for conditions; and
• Driver fleeing police.

If you encounter an aggressive driver, put your own safety first:

• Get out of their way and stay as far away as possible.
• Do not engage or challenge the driver in any way.
• Stay relaxed, avoid eye contact, and ignore rude gestures.
• Don't block the passing lane if you are driving slower than most of the traffic.
• Do not attempt to follow or pursue the vehicle.
• You or a passenger may call the police. But, if you use a cell phone, pull over to a safe location. If you can, note the license plate and a description of the car.

For more information on aggressive driving, visit PennDOT.pa.gov/Safety, www.PATurnpike.com and psp.pa.gov.