Warning: Aggressive Drivers Targeted Today Through Aug. 21

PENNSYLVANIA —PennDOT warned motorists today that 80 municipal police departments from Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties and state police are conducting an aggressive driving crackdown.

The aggressive driving crackdown runs today through Aug. 21 in an effort to reduce the number of crashes, injuries, and fatalities on roadways.

Speeding and other aggressive driving factors are the primary reasons for fatalities in Pennsylvania, according to PennDOT.

In 2021, a total of 1,483 aggressive driving crashes resulted in 27 fatalities in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties, according to PennDOT reports.

The enforcement wave will focus 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

If you encounter an aggressive driver, PennDOT offers these tips:

Get out of their way and don't challenge them.

• 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.