If you have ever been passed on the wrong side, tailgated, cut off or hemmed in by another vehicle, you’ve been the victim of an aggressive driver. Aggressive driving has become a serious problem on our roadways. What is aggressive driving? It can be defined as an individual who commits a combination of moving traffic offenses that endanger other persons or property. Some examples of aggressive driving are excessive speed, frequent or unsafe lane changes, failure to signal, failure to yield the right of way, disregarding traffic controls, and impaired driving.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol took action to reduce this type of driving in June 1997, when Operation TRIAD (Targeting Reckless, Intimidating and Aggressive Drivers) was enforced. Operation TRIAD is a program that incorporates aircraft enforcement to target motor vehicle violations that are typically difficult to detect and enforce by troopers on the ground.
The Patrol also took action to reduce congestion on the roadways with Operation Safe Commute in 2003. Operation Safe Commute allows law enforcement agencies to be stationed in high crash areas of Ohio to enforce safer speeds and clear crashes quickly to prevent congestion and additional crashes.
Having conducted 41 TRIAD details and 25 Operation Safe Commute details during 2006, the Patrol’s Aviation Section continues to play an important role in the identification of aggressive drivers on Ohio roads.
In 2006, the Patrol made over 1.4 million stops. Out of 554,570 enforcement stops, 106,145 were aggressive driving citations. Of aggressive driving citations, 45,467 were for speed violation of 20+ mph over the speed limit.
Time is valuable, and road congestion causes frustration. Aggressive behavior can consist of tailgating, flashing their lights at other drivers because they are annoyed, aggressive or rude gestures, deliberately or prevents drivers from moving their vehicle, verbal abuse, and/or assaulting another driver. Your attitude before starting the vehicle has a lot to do with how stressed you will become while driving.
Congested roadways and pent-up frustration can lead to aggressive driving. An aggressive driver who resorts to using a roadway shoulder to pass may startle other drivers and cause them to take an evasive action resulting in a crash.
An often misconception is that aggressive driving and road rage are the same,but they are not. The difference is road rage is a criminal offense. This occurs when a traffic incident escalates into a more serious situation. For example, a person may become so angry over an aggressive driving incident that he or she overreacts and retaliates with some type of violence.
If you encounter an aggressive driver, it is important to stay calm and keep your distance. If an aggressive driver is behind you, stay where you are, maintain the proper speed and do not respond with hostile gestures. You can call 1-877-PATROL to report an aggressive driver or a driver you believe may be impaired.
One major trigger for aggressive driving and road rage occurs when someone feels
they have been cut off by another vehicle. Do not view another drivers lane
change as a personal affront. Consider the other driver is probably just trying
to get from point A to point B. Also keep in mind that the other driver may
not be as familiar with the road as you are. Although you may drive on a particular
road every day and know the traffic patterns, others may be using the road for
the first time. There are several strategies you can use to minimize the potential
dangers of road rage, including:
• Be polite and courteous, even when other drivers are not
• Share the road
• Remain calm and move out of the way of an unsafe driver
• Do not react to provocation
• Stay away from erratic drivers
• Avoid eye contact with an aggressive driver
• Use your horn sparingly
• Do not make unfriendly or obscene gestures
• Always signal before changing lanes
• Do not tailgate
• Do not block the passing lane
• When parking, do not take more than one parking space
• Allow plenty of time for your trip
We all share the responsibility of keeping the roadways in Ohio among the safest to travel in the nation. Throughout Ohio, large blue highway signs remind motorist’s to call the patrol, toll-free, at 1-877-7-PATROL (1-877-772-8765) to report aggressive drivers, receive highway assistance, and advise troopers of disabled vehicles.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol will continue to watch Ohio’s highways for aggressive drivers, but the driving public can make a significant impact by working toward changing driving attitudes. There are many frustrating elements on the roadways, but do not let them get the best of you. Remain levelheaded and drive sensibly.