King of Prussia, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Philadelphia Police Department, Upper Merion Township Police Department, Highway Safety Network, and AAA held a media event today at the PennDOT Southeastern Regional Traffic Management Center in King of Prussia urging safe driving during the statewide aggressive driving coordinated enforcement that runs through August 20.
“It is important to realize that aggressive driving is deliberate behavior, not an inattentive error. It is a combination of two or more moving violations that place other persons or property at risk,” said Highway Safety Network Executive Director Chris Lengle. “Summer is a busy travel season on our highways and the odds are likely that you will witness some type of aggressive driving behavior. If you do happen to encounter an aggressive driver, do not react, or engage in similar behavior. Please be tolerant and realize it might be a mistake. Let aggressive drivers pass and give them plenty of space.”
According to PennDOT data, in 2022 there were 1,342 aggressive driving crashes, resulting in 39 fatalities and 94 suspected serious injuries in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties. Aggressive driving crashes involve at least two aggressive driving factors in the same crash. Factors include but are not limited to, running stop signs or red lights, tailgating, careless turning or passing, and driving too fast for conditions.
More than 80 municipal police departments from Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties join the Pennsylvania State Police in the coordinated aggressive driving wave to help reduce the number of crashes, injuries, and fatalities on area roadways as part of the statewide mobilization.
The enforcement wave focuses on heavy truck violations, pedestrian safety, red light running, and tailgating. Motorists exhibiting other unsafe behaviors such as driving too fast for conditions, following too closely, or other aggressive actions will also be cited.
Law enforcement will use traffic enforcement zones, saturation patrols, speed enforcement details, corridor enforcement, work zone enforcement, and multi-jurisdictional patrol strategies to identify and cite aggressive drivers.
The enforcement is part of Pennsylvania’s Highway Safety Program and is funded by part of PennDOT’s investment of federal funds from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Aggressive-driving factors include:
- Making illegal U-turns.
- Improper/careless turning.
- Turning from the wrong lane.
- Proceeding w/o clearance after stop.
- Running stop sign.
- Running a red light.
- Failure to respond to other traffic control devices.
- Tailgating.
- Sudden slowing/stopping.
- Careless passing or lane change.
- Passing in no passing zone.
- Making improper entrance to a highway.
- Making improper exits from a highway.
- Speeding.
- Driving too fast for the conditions.
- Driver fleeing police.
If you encounter an aggressive driver, put your 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.
The goal of targeted enforcement is to reduce the number of aggressive driving-related crashes, injuries, and deaths on roadways throughout the state. Any aggressive driver stopped by police will receive a ticket.
“You should strive to arrive alive to your destination every time you get behind the wheel of an automobile. What this means is to drive with a clear mind, take your time, and obey the traffic control signs and speed limit. Be mindful and respectful of other drivers on the road,” said Philadelphia Police Lt. Lawrence Tankelewicz.
To learn more about aggressive driving and other PennDOT safety initiatives, visit www.PennDOT.pa.gov/safety.
PennDOT’s media center offers social-media-sized graphics highlighting topics such as seat belts, impaired driving, and distracted driving for organizations, community groups, or others who share safety information with their stakeholders.
Editor’s Note: The following police departments in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties are participating in the current aggressive driving mobilization:
Bucks County:
Bedminster Township
Bensalem Township
Bristol Borough
Bristol Township
Buckingham Township
Doylestown Township
Falls Township
Hilltown Township
Lower Southampton Township
Middletown Township
New Britain Township
New Hope Borough
Newtown Borough
Newtown Township
Northampton Township
Penndel Borough
Plumstead Township
Quakertown Borough
Richland Township
Solebury Township
Tinicum Township
Upper Southampton Township
Warrington Township
Warwick Township
Chester County:
Caln Township
Coatesville Borough
Downingtown Borough
East Coventry Township
East Pikeland Township
Easttown Township
North Coventry Township
Southern Chester County Regional
Tredyffrin Township
Upper Uwchlan Township
Uwchlan Township
West Brandywine Township
West Chester Borough
West Goshen Township
Westtown-East Goshen Township
West Whiteland Township
Willistown Township
Delaware County:
Alden Borough
Aston Township
Bethel Township
Chester City
Chester Township
Eddystone Borough
Glenolden Borough
Haverford Township
Marple Township
Newtown Township
Radnor Township
Ridley Township
Springfield Township
Upland Borough
Upper Darby Township
Upper Providence Township
Yeadon Borough
Montgomery County:
Abington Township
Bridgeport Borough
Collegeville Borough
Douglas Township
Franconia Township
Hatfield Township
Jenkintown Borough
Limerick Township
Lower Merion Township
Lower Moreland Township
Lower Pottsgrove Township
Lower Providence Township
Marlborough Township
Montgomery Township
New Hanover Township
Norristown Borough
Plymouth Township
Pottstown Borough
Springfield Township
Towamencin Township
Upper Dublin Township
Upper Merion Township
Upper Moreland Township
Upper Pottsgrove Township
Upper Providence Township
West Norriton Township
West Pottsgrove Township
Whitemarsh Township
Philadelphia County:
Philadelphia
Contact: Krys Johnson, krysjohnso@pa.gov
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