7/18/2006
Youth event planned to raise awareness about aggressive driving
BOISE - The Idaho Transportation Department and valley law enforcement agencies, focusing on the consequences and dangers of aggressive driving, will sponsor an aggressive driving awareness event for young people at Boondocks Fun Center on July 22 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Local street stock car racer Keri Sigman will be on hand to promote safe driving behaviors on- and off-track, as well as talk about the critical differences between professional racing on the speedway and safe driving on public highways.
Participants can examine Sigman's car and even race her in a go-kart on the Boondocks track. Other event highlights include a live radio remote, prize giveaways, go-kart passes, Meridian Speedway tickets and Keri Sigman racing t-shirts.
The event is part of a statewide campaign targeting aggressive drivers who cause 40 percent of all crashes resulting in injuries or death. While drivers between the ages of 15 and 22 are the worst offenders, motorists of all ages need to take personal responsibility and check their behavior to make Idaho roads safer.
A recent report from AAA says teens who accumulate traffic tickets are more likely to be involved in a crash. Idaho teens have the highest violation rates of all the state's drivers, according to ITD. Teens with too many violations risk losing their license.
The top five aggressive driving behaviors are speeding, following too close, failing to yield, disregarding traffic signs and signals, and driving too fast for conditions.
Fines for aggressive driving in Idaho range from $62 to $117. Traffic violations that result in driver record points can lead to higher insurance premiums and license revocation.
For more information about curbing aggressive driving behaviors, call ITD's Office of Traffic and Highway Safety at 334-8100 or visit www.xtr4.com.