FHP Cracking Down On Aggressive Drivers

BRADENTON, FL — Motorists might want to think twice before making aggressive moves behind the wheel. The Florida Highway Patrol on Friday announced the launch of a statewide campaign meant to crack down on aggressive drivers.

The Ticketing Aggressive Cars and Trucks, or TACT, operation is meant “to educate motorists about the dangers of aggressive driving around large trucks,” the patrol said in an email to media. The overall aim of the campaign, which is being conducted by the agency’s commercial vehicle enforcement troopers, is to reduce crashes involving commercial motor vehicles.

“Saving lives on Florida’s roadways is FHP’s number one priority,” Col. Gene Spaulding, FHP’s director, said in a statement. “We can reduce crashes if we all share the road safely, avoid aggressive driving behaviors and exercise additional caution when driving near larger vehicles.”

The patrol pointed out that motorists involved in crashes with commercial vehicles tend to be at a “serious disadvantage,” especially since some trucks can top out at 80 feet and 20 tons.

Lt. Greg Bueno, of the patrol’s Troop F, said there are good reasons for conducting operations like TACT.

“There were nearly 400,000 traffic crashes in the state of Florida last year resulting in over 3,000 deaths, tens of thousands of injuries and property damage,” Bueno told Patch. “The Florida Highway Patrol wants to remind all motorists to increase their awareness level whenever driving around trucks and of the importance of staying alert and distraction-free anytime (they’re) behind the wheel.”

During the operation, which runs through March 9, troopers will be looking for car and truck drivers who display such behaviors as following too closely, speeding or making unsafe lane changes.

Motorists who want to protect themselves around large trucks are encouraged to:

• Stay out of the “No Zone” – Large trucks tend to have rather large blind spots. To avoid those blind spots, motorists should refrain from tailgating big trucks. In addition, it’s best to avoid passing on the right or moving in front of a truck before the entire vehicle is visible in the rearview mirror.
• Refrain from cutting off large trucks – Motorists who do put themselves at serious risk because trucks simply cannot stop as fast as cars, the patrol reminded.
• Exercise patience – If a large truck is moving slower than desired, be patient until it is safe to pass.
• Don’t drive distracted – This, the patrol says, goes for all motorists all the time. Dangerous distractions include texting, fiddling with a radio, talking to passengers and more.

To find out more about No Zones and safety around big trucks, visit FHP online.

Photo courtesy of the Florida Highway Patrol