In the 1980’s, the American public woke up to the tragic consequences of impaired driving after citizens united to fight the epidemic under the banner of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). Many traffic safety experts agree than an organized grassroots movement is essential to help change public attitudes and expedite government action on aggressive driving.

Grassroots organizing for social change at the end of the twentieth century is difficult. The vast majority of men and women hold jobs outside the home. Many have little spare time to attend community meetings or commit to volunteer work. Aggressive driving is, in fact, a symptom of our busy, over-booked lives.

For community activists, this reality can be discouraging, but the good news is that technology is now allowing nearly instant communication. The Internet, electronic mail (Email), and the World Wide Web prove that communication can be fast, cheap, and relatively labor-free. Using this technology, citizens concerned about aggressive driving in any community can quickly connect with each other and organize for change.

Organizing a Grassroots Effort

1. Send an Email to friends, family, and coworkers informing them of your interest in organizing a local committee to combat aggressive driving. Ask them to forward your Email message to their friends and family. Be sure to include information on how interested citizens can contact you to help.

2. Identify local Web sites that allow citizens to post notices about public meetings and events. List your Email address on these web sites along with a brief description about what you are trying to do.

3. Compile each respondent’s name, address, phone and fax numbers, and Email address. Identify a convenient time and location for a meeting and set the date. Notify all interested parties and ask them to RSVP. If the date selected turns out to be a date when most respondents are unavailable, change it. Note that you do not need many people to get started; a few dedicated people willing to work together is sufficient.

4. Plan an agenda. Keep it simple. Invite law enforcement officials to participate. Identify two or three goals you wish to accomplish at the first meeting. Fax, Email, or mail a copy of your agenda and the date and time of the meeting to the news media. Sample agenda items include:

   • Obtain information from local law enforcement units about the resources allocated to traffic patrols in the community.
   • Obtain information about the typical penalties assessed by traffic courts in instances of serious traffic violations and repeat traffic violators.
   • Discuss steps that must be taken to increase traffic patrols and improve court enforcement of fines and penalties.
   • Discuss steps that must be taken to set up automated enforcement (e.g., photo radar, photo red light).
   • Discuss options for launching a local awareness and education campaign.

5. Set a date for the next meeting and follow up with Email messages and/or phone calls to all who attended the meeting and to those who were interested but unavailable for the meeting. Based on community interest, proceed with a number of options. For example:

   • Continue meeting with local officials to strengthen traffic patrol and court enforcement of fines and penalties.
   • Talk with regional or state traffic safety officials or a local insurance company about financing an awareness and educational campaign against aggressive driving behaviors.
   • Register your Web site so all members of the community can learn about your group and become involved. Some costs may be associated with this, so a sponsor or financial support from the citizens who want to help may be needed.
   • Launch a petition drive for specific changes you would like to see enacted by law enforcement or through traffic safety legislation.
   • Contact other groups to learn about options for linking your local group with a national movement working to eliminate aggressive driving.

6. Tie your effort into existing Safe Communities programs, emergency service organizations, and other highway safety program efforts such as speed and red light running enforcement. If there is not a Safe Communities program is your area, call us and we will help you start one.

7. Learn about aggressive drivers. The National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) is currently studying attitudes and behaviors of drivers who speed and drive aggressively. This information will be available soon.

Other Tips

Enlist Victims
Victims of aggressive driving and their families often possess the strongest emotional investment in this issue. Since they have a personal story to share, they are also in the best position to promote your cause in the media. Emphasize in your written materials and public comments that their participation is needed and welcomed.

Use the Power of the Media
Aggressive driving is a hot topic in the media. Use this to your advantage by keeping local media informed about what you are doing. They are your best ally and your most efficient means of communicating with the public.