Warning: Aggressive Drivers Targeted Today Through Nov. 13

HARRISBURG — Motorists are warned to slow down or face the consequences.

State police are teaming up with PennDOT and Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission to conduct a statewide aggressive-driving crackdown that is running through Sunday, Nov. 13.

The coordinated enforcement is part of an aggressive-driving enforcement wave focused on speeding, distracted driving, and work zone awareness.

State police and more than 300 municipal police departments will step up patrols on roadways that are known to have a high number of aggressive-driving crashes.

Speeding tickets result in fines and potential license suspensions.

The goal of targeted enforcement is to reduce the number of aggressive driving related crashes, injuries, and deaths on roadways throughout the state.

Motorists exhibiting other unsafe behaviors such as driving too fast for conditions, following too closely, or making careless lane changes will also be cited.

By the numbers

In 2021, there were 1,483 crashes that resulted in 27 fatalities in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties.

In 2021, there were 25,890 speeding-related crashes in Pennsylvania, resulting in 477 fatalities, according to PennDOT .

While many people associate aggressive driving with road rage, they are two different behaviors.
Road rage is a criminal offense and is often the result of aggressive driving behavior that escalates into an assault with a vehicle or other dangerous weapon.

"Safety on our roadways is everyone's responsibility," said PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian.

Aggressive-driving includes:

• Making illegal u-turn;
• Improper/careless turning;
• Turning from wrong lane;
• Proceeding w/o clearance after stop;
• Running stop sign;
• Running red light;
• Failure to respond to other traffic control device;
• Tailgating;
• Sudden slowing/stopping;
• Careless passing or lane change;
• Passing in no passing zone;
• Making improper entrance to highway;
• Making improper exit from highway;
• Speeding;
• Driving too fast for conditions; and
• Driver fleeing police.

If you encounter an aggressive driver, put your own 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.

For more information on aggressive driving, visit PennDOT.pa.gov/Safety, www.PATurnpike.com and psp.pa.gov.