Document Actions
Aggressive Driving what is it?
AGGRESSIVE DRIVING DEFINED
Although there is not one standard definition of aggressive driving, NTSA currently defines it as “the operation of a motor vehicle in a manner that endangers or is likely to endanger persons or property.”
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has identified the following crash factors that are considered aggressive driving behavior:
§ Making illegal U-turn
§ Improper/Careless turning
§ Turning from wrong lane
§ Proceeding without clearance after stop
§ Running stop sign
§ Running red light
§ Failure to respond to other traffic control devices
§ Tailgating
§ Sudden slowing/stopping
§ Careless passing or lane change
§ Passing in a no passing zone
§ Making improper entrance to highway
§ Speeding
§ Driving too fast for conditions
§ Driver fleeing police
THE SOLUTION
The Smooth Operator program began in 1997 with 18 law enforcement
agencies 
throughout the District
of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia in a concerted effort to reduce
aggressive driving on area roadways. Today, more than 80 agencies
have become part of that program.
Smooth Operator’s combination of public education and waves of law enforcement activity have proven to be extremely effective in increasing motorists’ awareness of the problem and making area roads and highways safer for everyone.
In 2006, Pennsylvania joined MD, VA and DC in a regional pilot program involving 32 police departments in 21 counties in the Commonwealth. Due to last year’s outstanding results, the 2007 Pennsylvania Smooth Operator program is being expanded statewide to include more than 170 police departments.
Agressive Driving is defined by a number of actions which are
violations of the law and are known to cause highway crashes.
- Following too close (Tailgating)
- Speeding
- Red light running, or blowing through a stop sign
- Improper passing
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Improper lane change
What is being done about agressive driving?
Local and state police have teamed up to focus enforcement efforts
on those drivers who drive n a manner which may cause a crash. They
have been equipped with information about where crashes are most likely
to occur. This effort is receiving additional funding to crack down
on agressive drivers in a program called "Smooth Operator"