6/10/2009
ITD, law enforcement will be targeting aggressive drivers June 12-21
BOISE - Tailgating, changing lanes without notice, speeding, running yellow lights, or ignoring traffic signs makes you an aggressive driver and the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) wants you to know that law enforcement patrols will be watching for you.
ITD joins with law enforcement agencies across Idaho to make the state's highways safer by funding increased aggressive driving enforcement patrols June 12-21.
During the aggressive driving enforcement campaign, Idaho law enforcement officers will increase enforcement of speed limits and traffic laws.
"Aggressive driving is a serious problem in Idaho where more than half of all traffic fatalities are caused by aggressive driving," said Cecilia Arritola, with ITD's Office of Highway Operations and Safety. "Running late, inattentive driving, speeding, squeezing through yellow lights - all can easily lead to traffic crashes."
Drivers must recognize what aggressive driving is, understand the risk, and know they will be ticketed if they choose to drive aggressively, Arritola explained.
In 2008, aggressive driving was the leading cause of traffic deaths and injuries in Idaho. Of the 232 people killed, 100 died as a consequence of aggressive driving.
Examples of aggressive driving include; speeding, not signaling, tailgating, cutting in, not allowing others to merge, stop sign violations and disregarding signals and other signs.
Avoid being an aggressive driver by planning ahead and allowing extra time, Arritola emphasized. Concentrate on driving, relax, drive the posted speed limit and just be late if pressed for time.
For more information about aggressive driving behaviors and how to curb them, please contact ITD's Office of Highway Safety at (208) 334-8100.