DOT HS 808 730 |
February 2001 |
The following law enforcement programs have been developed to target aggressive drivers. In 1997, NHTSA's Traffic Law Enforcement Division began gathering information on these programs to learn which strategies are being used successfully to reduce or deter aggressive driving. This list is updated as new programs are discovered. The list is used as a clearinghouse for aggressive driving programs and a resource of contacts willing to share their experiences with other law enforcement agencies. If your agency has an active aggressive driving program that is not included in this publication, please contact the Traffic Law Enforcement Division at 202-366-4295 and ask for the staff person working on this issue.
Arizona
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
District of Columbia
Florida
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Kansas
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
Texas
Utah
Virginia
Washington
Greater Washington D.C. Metropolitan Area
Wisconsin
The Arizona Department of Public Safety's Aggressive Driver Detail is the longest running in the country. It focuses both on enforcement and a strong media campaign. Arizona has received high praise and support from the communities throughout the state. Nine unmarked vehicles were purchased in 2000. Unmarked cars, motorcycles, and marked patrol cars are used. Officers are always in uniform while working the Aggressive Driving Detail. Rural areas are currently being tested with marked cars. Several aggressive driver details are scheduled each week throughout the State. There is a zero tolerance policy for aggressive driver violations. Grants have been provided to Arizona Department of Public Safety, Tucson Police Department, Phoenix Police Department, Mesa Police Department, and Pima County Sheriff's Office.
Contact:
Mr. Alberto Gutier
Governor's Office of Community and Highway Safety
3010 North Second Street, Suite 105
Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: (602) 255-3216
Fax: (602) 255-1265
Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) -- The
Arizona DPS aggressive driver program, named, "Operation Chill" uses
aircraft, motorcycles and unmarked patrol units for enforcement, coupled with
a strong media campaign. Arizona DPS just added a seventh motorcycle unit to
their fleet, dedicated to enforcement of aggressive driving. Arizona's public
service announcement (PSA) about aggressive driving, "30 Seconds, Is It
Worth It?", recently won first place in a highway safety PSA campaign.
Arizona was the first state to enact legislation on aggressive
driving. Their law went into effect in May 1998. The program targets drivers
who are:
speeding, following too closely, making erratic or unsafe lane changes and all
other criminal and traffic violations. A Traffic Complaint Hotline was established
for reporting traffic complaints by citizens, including aggressive driving.
Traffic complaints have increased 76% and 75% are speed-related.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety, the
Phoenix Police Department, and the Mesa Police Department
developed strategies to enhance existing traditional enforcement programs. An
Aggressive Driver Interdiction Program was developed and implemented. Motor
officers and supervisors work saturation-type patrols in pre-designated locations
where aggressive driving behaviors have or are likely to adversely impact traffic.
There is a "zero-tolerance" approach to the enforcement of all violators.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety currently conducts six
aggressive driver enforcement programs per week. The program is staffed with
up to 10 officers and/or sergeants, utilizing marked police motorcycles, two
unmarked patrol vehicles, and aircraft. The details are conducted morning/early
afternoon and three during late afternoon/evening hours each week. Problem areas
are identified and saturated up to three times a week.
Contact:
Commander Terry Conner
Arizona Department of Public Safety
2610 South 16 Street
Phoenix, AZ 85034
Phone: (602) 223-2852
California's Smooth Operator Campaign was the longest
running aggressive driving media program in the country. The program used enforcement
patrols, identifying six primary driving behaviors which contributed to traffic
congestion. The program, known as Smooth Operator, was started in 1988 to deal
with increasing traffic congestion in the major metropolitan areas. The efforts
were a success largely demonstrated by the reaction and support received from
the private sector, news media and the public. This program is no longer being
conducted, however, the public information and education materials are still
available.
Contact:
Freda Radich
Office of Traffic Safety
7000 Franklin Boulevard, Suite 440
Sacramento, CA 95823
Phone: (916) 262-0990
California Highway Patrol -- The "Aggressive
Driving Public Awareness and Enforcement Campaign" project was initiated
during fiscal year 1999. The project funds personnel overtime, in-state travel,
printing, promotional material and video public service announcements associated
with a public information and education campaign, and a focus group. The main
goal of the project is to conduct a public awareness campaign addressing the
benefits of reducing aggressive driving behaviors and how to avoid confronting
an aggressive driver. Overtime hours were distributed for officers in four divisions.
A pre-campaign survey to establish and evaluate public perceptions of aggressive
driving and road rage was conducted. One market research focus group was conducted
for developing campaign images and messages. Public Affairs Officers have scheduled
and delivered traffic safety presentations focused on the aggressive driving
message. Development of six English and six Spanish language radio public service
announcements is ongoing, campaign materials were developed through information
gleaned from the aggressive driver survey.
Contact:
Ben Walker
California Highway Patrol
2555 1st Ave.
Sacramento, CA 95818
Phone: (916) 657-7222
Nancy Kramer
California Highway Patrol Public Affairs
2555 1st Ave.
Sacramento, CA 95818
Phone: (916) 657-7202
Colorado State Patrol began a program with Vision TEK Incorporated
and Colorado wireless phone companies in June 1998, which allows motorists to
"Be a STAR" and "Start Taking an Active
Role" to fight "aggressive driving and road rage" by calling
STAR CSP (*277). The Colorado State Patrol accepts calls from motorists
dialing *CSP on their cell phones to report acts of aggressive driving.
The STAR CSP Program automatically records and compiles calls
into a database. CSP Communications Officers are able to obtain vital information
in two to three seconds. The system prints out a complete report of the calls
which is delivered to a CSP Dispatcher and automatically issues warning letters
to the owner of the vehicle.
Colorado introduced an enforcement and education campaign called
Aggressive Drivers Are a Public Threat (ADAPT). It urged motorists to be more
civil on the highways and avoid unacceptable aggressive driving. ADAPT is a
statewide program and using unmarked cars, motorcycles, and aircraft for enforcement.
There is considerable public support for the enforcement effort. The Douglas
County Sheriff's Office is also heavily involved in aggressive driver enforcement
along with the State Patrol and other agencies south of Denver.
Contact:
Maj. Guy King
Colorado State Patrol
18500 East Colfax Avenue
Aurora, CO 80011
Phone: (303) 344-2536
Fax: (303) 341-7126
Captain Steve Powell
Colorado State Patrol
900 Wilcox
Castle Rock, CO 80104
Phone: (303) 239-4532
Chill: Changing the Way We Drive -- Colorado has developed an
aggressive driving campaign to encourage drivers to drive safer and calmer,
with particular emphasis being paid to construction work zones. Thirty-five
law enforcement agencies throughout Colorado are participating in the enforcement
effort.
Contact:
Ms. Mairi Nelson
Colorado Dept. of Transportation, Public Affairs
4201 E. Arkansas
Denver, CO 80222
Phone: (303) 202-0380
Douglas, Adams and Boulder County -- Sheriff's department officers
from Douglas, Adams and Boulder counties, the police departments of Aurora,
Greenwood Village and Thornton among others, patrol interstates and state highways
in unmarked and marked cars and on motorcycles, targeting speeding, tailgating,
weaving in and out of traffic, passing on the shoulder and running red lights
and stop signs.
Contact:
Sergeant Scott Stanton
Aurora Police Department
15001 E. Alameda Drive
Aurora, CO 80012
Phone: (303) 739-6000
Dep. Ken Rost
Douglas County Sheriff's Office
355 South Wilcox Street
Castle Rock, CO 80104
Phone: (303) 660-7505
Fax: (303) 688-1447
The Connecticut State Police's program started in
1997. Traffic units continue to be the cornerstone of the program. Traffic personnel
use both marked and unmarked patrol vehicles. In addition, they use non traditional
police vehicles, aircraft, and weather permitting, motorcycles to conduct their
operations. Unmarked units are used to identify aggressive drivers and marked
units to make the stop. Aircraft are sometimes used and work in tandem with
ground units to minimize the hazards of high speed pursuits. The program has
been funded by federal grants and other state funds. Statistics are collected
for different enforcement projects and periods.
The department has been involved in project BIG ORANGE since 1995.
Troopers use orange DOT trucks as a platform for conducting enforcement operations
in construction and maintenance zones. Connecticut is also involved in short
term projects. During the winter of 1999 they initiated Project ROAR (Roll Over
Accident Reduction). This project brought out troopers from 0100 to 0500 hrs
to monitor early morning crashes resulting in major traffic delays on the days
and in the area the project was in effect.
The media is kept involved in the aggressive driving efforts.
There are media releases on current and new programs. The media is allowed to
participate in a "Ride with a Trooper" program. The holiday advisories
are provided to the public through the media.
Contact:
Sergeant Henry Perucki
Connecticut State Police
State Traffic Coordinator
P.O. Box 2794
Middletown, CT 06457-9294
Phone: (860) 685-8434
Delaware State Police started its program known as Take It Easy on July 4, 1997. It uses marked and unmarked vehicles and nontraditional vehicles such as Chevrolet S-10 Blazers. Any time unmarked vehicles are used, marked patrol units must make the traffic stop. They have also developed a strong media campaign with radio public service announcements (PSA's). A poster campaign and a billboard campaign was developed statewide. Traffic safety blitzes are conducted throughout the year focusing on aggressive driving behavior. A grant is provided for aggressive driving enforcement on an overtime basis. Troopers work aggressive driving enforcement in a four-hour block.
In July, 1999, Delaware passed an aggressive driving law. The
law defines aggressive driving as conduct which violates three or more specific
traffic violations.
Contact:
Lt. Barbara Conley
Delaware State Police Headquarters
P.O. Box 430
Dover, DE 19903
Phone: (302) 739-5937
E-mail: bconley@state.de.us
Lt. Rick Chamberlin
Delaware State Police
Public Information Officer
P.O. Box 430
Dover, DE 19903
Phone: (302) 739-5962
(Oct. "Take It Easy" started in July 1997) Having just
completed their first year of the "Take It Easy" campaign, a new wave
of activity has begun and the campaign is continuing. On 10-13-9, a new photo
session was held to develop new posters, bill boards and brochures. Once the
art work is done, they will seek private sponsors for nine billboards, three
in each of the three counties. The Delaware Troopers Associa-tion is sponsoring
three billboards, but they requested all the photos have troopers. They will
schedule that photo session. They have sought automobile dealerships, insurance
agencies and other private sector businesses to sponsor bill boards. Some sponsors
have come forward already asking to be a part of the billboard campaign. The
Delaware Highway Safety Office provides overtime funds to agencies that demonstrate
a need for holiday weekends. Ten citations have been identified as potential
aggressive driving violations emphasized during the weekend enforcement effort.
Contact:
Andrea Summers
Delaware Office of Highway Safety
P.O. Box 1321
Dover, DE 19903
Phone: (302) 739-4282
Email: asummers@state.de.us
The Washington, DC Metropolitan Police Department is a participating
agency in the Smooth Operator program in the metropolitan area. Aggressive
driving enforcement continues as part of the department's regular traffic enforcement.
Contact:
Carole Lewis
Government of the District of Columbia
Department of Public Works
2000 14th St., NW - 7th Floor
Washington, DC 20009
Phone: (202) 671-0492
Fax: (202) 939-7185
St. Petersburg Police Department -- St. Petersburg
is in the process of changing the name of their aggressive driving program from
"Where's Jocker's?" to "Where's Alf?" Officer Mike Jockers,
who created the program after the Where's Waldo' books, use non-traditional
vehicles as a platform to observe the motoring public. He dresses in clothes
appropriate for the vehicle he is sitting in and observes traffic. He has sat
on bus benches and lawn mowers with radar guns, sat in buckets on power trucks
observing red light violations. He calls ahead to marked patrol vehicles, to
allow them to take enforcement action. In addition to "Where's Alf",
there is also "Where's Willie". Every Friday, an officer from these
two programs coordinates a city wide traffic operation with both patrol and
community policing officers. Recently, the Sheriff's Department and Florida
Highway Patrol became involved in the program.
The department has utilized the media extensively on their enforcement
efforts announcing they were going to be working in a certain area. They have
also done public education and training to make the citizens of St. Petersburg
more aware of hazardous driving behaviors. A video is available from St. Petersburg
Police Department showing the department at several different enforcement opportunities.
St Petersburg Police Department is incorporating their new "Where's Alf?"
program into a bigger program called "3-E's" which stand for enforcement,
education and engineering. They want to use a broad based effort to educate
the public, to look at roadway design and signing as possible
problems as well as enforcement to deal with the aggressive driving problem.
Contact:
Lieutenant Tom Carey
St. Petersburg Police Department
1300 1st Avenue, North
St. Petersburg, FL 33705
Phone: (727) 893-7157
Fax: (727) 892-5099
Clearwater Police Department -- Clearwater Police Department launched their aggressive Driving Detection and Suppression program on July 27, 1999. The Traffic Enforcement Squad is looking for motorists who commit multiple hazardous moving violations.
The local mental health officials assisted in developing anger
management tip cards for road rage suspects. Road rage reports were entered
into a database, which support follow up mailing to suspects. In addition, criminal
histories of suspects are checked and the database is shared with CID for future
investigations. A traffic hotline was established to report aggressive drivers
who receive follow up mailing.
This program is run on a monthly basis with the locations advertised
on the department's television station. The operation is staffed with both traffic
teams and community policing teams.
Contact:
Lt. Steve Burch
Clearwater Police Department
645 Pierce St.
Clearwater, Florida 33756
Phone: (727) 562-4161
Florida Highway Patrol-Tallahassee-- Requested information
about aggressive driving that could be used in a four-hour lesson block to train
Florida Highway Patrol Troopers about the issues.
Contact:
Lt. Ron Castlebury
Florida Highway Patrol
2908 Ridgeway St.
Tallahassee, Fl. 32310
Phone: (850) 414-1115
Institute of Police Technology Management - Jacksonville
-- IPTM received a grant from the State of Florida to develop a program to train
police officers about the issue of the aggressive driver. Tom Genest, is a retired
police officer with Jacksonville Police Department and has been hired to head
that program.IPTM held an Aggressive Driving Summit February 8 - 10, 2000. An
array of public safety, legal, and adjudication representatives participated
in the "Aggressive Driving Summit." There were six areas action steps
were developed: enforcement strategies, applied technology, prosecution and
adjudication, prosecution and legislative requirements, community leadership,
and media relations. For more information on the summit contact Mr. Tom Genest.
Contact:
Mr. Tom Genest
Institute of Police Technology and Management
University of North Florida
12000 Alumni Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32224
Phone: (904) 620-4786
In May 1999, Hawaii launched its first anti-road rage campaign,
"Drive Akamai." A community partnership was formed with the City Department
of Transportation Services, KITV4, KSSK Radio, and the AAA Hawaii Transportation
Association to reduce road rage incidents.
Contact:
Marilyn Kali
Department of Transportation
869 Punchbowl St.
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813-5097
Phone: (808) 587-2160
Fax: (808) 587-231
The Idaho Office of Highway Safety is currently
funding the four Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) Teams that emphasis
risky driving behavior. Idaho law enforcement agencies, including sheriff's
offices, police departments, and the Idaho State Police, conduct saturation
patrols. The Idaho State Police and other agencies that have STEP Teams funds,
conducting saturation patrols at least twice a month. Locations for the saturation
patrols are identified based on citizen complaints or collision statistics.
Contact:
Mark Strait
Grants/Contracts Office
Idaho Office of Highway Safety
P.O. Box 7129, 3311 West State St.
Boise, Idaho 83707-1129
Phone: (208)334-8102
The Illinois State Police kicked off a statewide
aggressive driver campaign on December 19, 1997. The program is the responsibility
of each District Commander and is tailored for the individual District. They
use a variety of tactics for enforcement which include enforcement teams, catch
cars, targeted patrols, air operations, covert operations, and speed enforcement.
There are 33 high speed (unmarked) vehicles throughout Illinois. The program
has been very successful. There is media involvement and a video on aggressive
driving available to the public.
Contact:
Illinois State Police
Master Sergeant Flynn Hanners
201 E. Adams, Suite 100
Springfield, IL 62701
Phone: (217) 782-6269
The Indiana State Police began targeting flagrant
traffic violators in 1988. This vigorous traffic enforcement targeted the same
drivers as current aggressive driving programs: the major difference was lack
of a name. They use unmarked, nontraditional law enforcement vehicles and aircraft
to detect the aggressive driver. They also use vehicles that appear to belong
to the Department of Transportation for enforcement purposes in construction
zones.
Contact:
1st Sergeant Carol Ruby
Indiana State Police
100 North Senate Avenue
IGCN Room N340
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (317) 232-8246
Fax: (317) 232-0652
The Indianapolis Police Department (in cooperation
with the Marion County Traffic Safety Partnership) received a grant for an aggressive
driving enforcement and public information and education campaign. There will
be six other agencies participating: Marion County Sheriff's Department, Indiana
State Police, Lawrence Police Department, Speedway Police Department, Beech
Grove Police Department, and Cumberland Police Department.
The partnerships will utilize various tactics for enforcement: Single Officer Tactic will use marked patrol vehicles. The Centipede Tactic consists of placing 4-6 marked and unmarked police cars from the seven law enforcement agencies, approximately two miles apart. The Ghost Vehicle Tactic utilizes two officers with a marked and unmarked car. The unmarked car locates the aggressive driver and the marked car apprehends the violator. The Over-pass Tactic places an officer on foot on an overpass and radios a marked car to apprehend the violator. The Work Zone Tactic utilizes an officer to patrol a work zone where aggressive drivers often appear.
In April 1999, "Operation CEERAD" (Concentrated Enforcement
Effort to Reduce Aggressive Driving) was the aggressive driving awareness campaign.
Seven local police agencies, including officers from the Highway Patrol, contributed
to the campaign. Operation CEERAD is an on-going cooperative effort to promote
highway safety through education and enforcement efforts.
Contact:
E. Dean Carlson
Kansas Department of Transportation
Docking State Office Building
915 SW Harrison ST., Rm. 730
Topeka, Kansas 66612-1568
Phone: (785) 296-3461
Fax: (785) 296-1095 (fax)
The Maine State Police currently have a "Process Action
Team" studying aggressive driving. They are in the process of developing
both printed material and public service announcements on this issue as well
as enforcement strategies.
Contact:
Richard Perkins, Director
Bureau of Highway Safety
Department of Public Health
164 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333-0164
Phone: (207) 624-8756
Fax: (207) 624-8768
Maryland State Police is a major participant in the Smooth
Operator program conducted in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The Maryland
State Police aggressive driver program, known as Aggressive Driver Video and
Non-Contact Enforcement (ADVANCE), uses digital video cameras coupled with lidar
to identify and record aggressive drivers and other violators on the Washington
Capital Beltway. This enforcement effort consists of PSA's, and letters and
photographs of the violation are sent to offending drivers. The effectiveness
of this program, which started in November 1997, will be measured by before/after
opinion polls of the motoring public.
Contact:
Sergeant Dave Perry
Maryland State Police
1201 Reistertown Road
Pikesville, MD 21208-3899
Phone: (410) 653-4215
This program, known as the Drunk, Drugged, and Dangerous
(3D) Program, began on September 12, 1997, with a large media campaign.
The program uses a sergeant and three troopers assigned full time to the unit.
They drive video-equipped, unmarked cars to conduct the enforcement effort.
They also have fostered a good working relationship with the prosecutor's office,
Department of Motor Vehicles, and the courts.
Massachusetts State Police -- The Massachusetts
State Police is using unmarked, non-traditional police vehicles that are fully
equipped with concealed emergency lights, police radio, radar, video cameras
and high performance engines. The unmarked vehicle is operated by a uniformed
trooper who patrols, observing traffic, looking for the aggressive, unsafe driver.
In the area around the unmarked vehicle, there are at least three other marked
patrol vehicles. When an unsafe driving behavior is observed, the unmarked unit
will catch up to the violator and activate the video camera. The radar is connected
to the video camera, so the speed of the driver is constantly recorded. The
trooper that is following the violator is narrating into the video microphone
the driving pattern the trooper is observing. The trooper will call for a marked
unit and give vehicle description, license number, direction of travel, etc.
If the marked unit is ahead of the unmarked unit following the violator, the
marked patrol vehicle will slow down and allow the violator to catch up. Once
the unmarked police vehicle pulls in behind a violator, the trooper activates
red and blue lights to the rear of the unmarked police vehicle, so other motorists
know it is a police vehicle. If the driving behavior by the violator is so offensive,
the trooper in the unmarked vehicle
initiates a traffic stop immediately and does not wait for one of the marked
patrol units.
The history, to date has been very little arguing on the roadside,
once the violator understands that his/her driving behavior has been videotaped.
There have not been any chases from these traffic stops. Once the trooper returns
to the barracks at the end of the shift, the trooper runs a driver's license
history check on the driver. If the driving records that show two (aggressive
driving type) offenses within the last year or three within the last two years,
they initiate a process called, "Immediate Threat" report. The trooper
files the report, attaches the driver license history, as well as the current
citation and forwards this package to the driver's license office. This process
is civil in nature. The driver's license division schedules a driver's license
hearing and the driver has an order to show cause why his/her driver's license
should not be revoked or suspended for aggressive driving. To date, over 200
"Immediate Threat" reports have been filed with the driver's license
division, and the driver's license has been suspended in every case. The media
coverage has been extensive both in the United States and Europe. There have
been numerous printed articles done as well as video interviews.
Contact:
Major Stephen Leary
Massachusetts State Police
Phone: (508) 829-5336
Sergeant Dan Wicks
Massachusetts State Police
2 Troop A Headquarters
485 Maple Street
Danvers, MA 01923
Phone: (508) 538-6045
(Oct. 29, 1998) Michigan State Police Operation
BAD (Bust Aggressive Drivers) uses an old clunker car to let nasty drivers be
themselves. The Oak Park Post recently started using an old gray car with a
rusty roof and peeling paint, commonly called their stealth vehicle, to observe
aggressive drivers. A uniformed trooper rides in the old car, while troopers
in marked patrol vehicles drive in the area. When the driver of the stealth
vehicle observes aggressive driving behavior, the trooper calls to a marked
unit to initiate the traffic stop.
Contact:
Sgt. Dan Davis
Michigan State Police
Traffic Service Section
714 South Harrison
East Lansing, MI 48823
Phone: (517) 336-6518
The Minnesota State Patrol has equipped its helicopters
with cameras that produce extremely clear pictures of license platenumbers up
to 500 feet. The pictures are downloaded via satellite to the traffic control
center. A portable receiver allows the video to be seen in a squad car and is
used to stop and take appropriate action with aggressive and drunk drivers.
Contact:
Kathy Swanson
Office of Traffic Safety
Department of Public Safety
444 Cedar Street
St. Paul, MN 55101
Phone: (651) 296-9507
Fax: (651) 297-4844
The Missouri Highway Patrol program used traffic
crash and fatality data to select targeted areas. The State Highway Safety Office
coordinates the media aspect of the program while the police agencies around
the State coordinate the enforcement aspect of the program. The Highway Patrol
uses aircraft, unmarked patrol cars, and non-conventional vehicles to detect
aggressive drivers. They also involve local law enforcement agencies and sheriffs'
departments in the enforcement efforts.
Contact:
Captain Sandy Karsten
Missouri Highway Patrol
P.O. Box 568
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Phone: (573) 526-6226
In November 1999 the New Hampshire State Police
formed an aggressive driving unit. The unit consisted of four uniformed troopers
and one sergeant. Each unit member was issued an unmarked vehicle (Chevy Tahoe,
Luminas, Mustang, and Crown Vic). The unmarked cars are fully equipped with
lights and sirens. The unit works in day light hours and usually during rush
hours. They saturate a selected area (high complaint area) and looks for two
or more moving violations.
The media has ridden on several occasions as well as the local
news paper reporters. The ride along's have been reported on TV and in the local
paper.
In the first five months the unit totaled 700 violator contacts
and issued close to 1100 summons' to aggressive drivers. Less than 10% have
contested the summons'. The unit has had a 100% conviction rate.
Contact:
Sergeant Bill Quigley
New Hampshire State Police
10 Hazen Dr.
Concord, NH 03305
Phone: (603) 271-3636
New Jersey State Police started its program when
it was determined that 63 percent of fatal crashes were the result of violations
attributed to aggressive drivers. The multi-agency enforcement program uses
semi-marked patrol cars and unconventional vehicles.
Contact:
Lt. Bill Wade
New Jersey State Police
Traffic Bureau
Division Headquarters
P.O. Box 7068
West Trenton, NJ 08628
Phone: (609) 882-2000 ext. 2305
The Albuquerque Police Department city developed
a program, called "Safe Streets," to use intensive traffic enforcement
to reduce violent felony crimes. By coordinating their efforts with their Crime
Analysis Department, they were able to chart areas of the city that had high
drug traffic, high numbers of violent felony episodes and aggressive driving.
They use the media whenever possible and feel that media involvement can make
or break their efforts. In the early years of their program, they had overtime
funds. More recently they have had to learn to do the saturation patrols during
on-duty time. There has been a dramatic decrease in the number of crash fatalities
and violent criminal events.
The Albuquerque Police Department expanded the successful "Safe
Streets" program into "Safe Street 2000." Due to heavy construction
on a major Interstate Interchange, the department is taking a pro-active approach
to the aggressive driving problem. The solution the department chose was an
unprecedented partnering with the State Highway Department, Traffic Safety Bureau,
the construction company, city and state engineers, and the New Mexico State
Police. Saturation patrols of both the interstate and city streets with increased
congestion are conducted. Enforcement is planned based on weekly statistical
updates. Cameras placed throughout the construction area observes problems as
they occur. A sergeant monitors the cameras and radio's an officer to take action
as the violation occur's. The program has received overwhelming support from
the public.
Contact:
Sergeant Jay Gilhooly
Albuquerque Police Department
5408 2nd Street
Albuquerque, NM 87107
Phone: (505) 761-8805
New York State Police -- The New York State Police
uses low profile vehicles (unconventional emergency lighting systems) with front
and rear mounted video cameras. A toggle switch allows the troopers to change
cameras without taking their eyes off the road. The department also uses passenger
vans equipped with two video cameras also. They are used in conjunction with
marked patrol vehicles to initiate the traffic stop. The height of the vans
allows a better vantage point for videotaping and because it is a nontraditional
police vehicle, unsuspecting motorists are videotaped before they realize it.
NYSP has identified twenty target zones where aggressive driving appears to
be a problem and concentrate enforcement efforts in those zones at least once
a month. NYSP hasproduced several different pieces to use in their media campaign
to educate the public such as magnets, pictures, pamphlets, pens, etc.
Contact:
Sergeant Jim Halvorsen
New York State Police
1220 Washington Ave. Bldg. 22
Albany, NY 12226
Phone: (518) 457-3258
Suffolk County Police Department -- Suffolk County Police Department's developed a program called "Returning Courtesy To Our Highways" and received a grant from The New York State Governor's Traffic Safety Board. The pilot project has proven successful.
Officer's are utilized on overtime for a two hour period following
either the midnight tour or day tour. An unmarked vehicle is used and officers
are instructed to specifically enforce violations commonly associated with aggressive
driving. The program is in the process of being changed to include additional
hours and updated recording of enforcement activities.
Contact:
Officer David Williams
SCPD Highway Patrol Bureau
Expressway Enforcement Section
PO Box 4477
Bayshore, NY 11706
Phone: (631) 854-7300
Fax: (631) 854-7311
In October, 1998, the North Carolina Highway Patrol
began its aggressive driving campaign. The patrol has instituted a statewide
educational campaign to educate citizens on the dangers of aggressive driving
behavior. A poster and public service announcements, using Dale Earnhardt, the
NASCAR driver is part of the aggressive driving campaign.
The Sheriff's department and local police agencies throughout
the state are using increased enforcement to address the aggressive driving
problem.
Contact:
Frank Hackney
Manager External Affairs
Governor's Highway Safety Program
215 East Lane St.
Raleigh, North Carolina 27601
Phone: (919) 733-3083
Fax: (919) 733-0604
The Ohio State Highway Patrol kicked off its state-wide
aggressive driver program, known as Targeting Reckless & Intimidating Aggressive
Drivers (TRIAD), on July 4, 1997. The aviation division in Columbus is responsible
for the administration of TRIAD. It uses thirteen aircraft and ground units
from the Highway Patrol and other local agency vehicles to pursue violators.
Contact:
Sergeant Mark Groves
Ohio State Highway Patrol
Aviation Section
2829 West Dublin-Granville Road
Columbus, OH 43235
Phone: (614) 466-4468
The Oklahoma City Police Department started their
aggressive driving program September 1, 1998. They have used an extensive media
campaign to advise the public about their aggressive driving campaign. The media
filmed the unmarked patrol vehicles, as well as possible target locations of
where the special unit would be working, but no specific locations were given.
When the media blitz first started, no citations were issued the first week.
Prior to officers working the aggressive driving campaign, they must attend
an eight-hour class to educate them about aggressive driving behaviors that
lead to crashes. There are 230 officers trained to work the Reduction of Accident
and Aggressive and Inconsiderate Drivers (RAID) cars. The officers are also
made aware that if they target the aggressive driving behavior, they will reduce
crashes. OCPD has done research, gathered statistics from crashes and fatalities,
selected ten high crash areas to target special enforcement and continually
reevaluate those numbers to see if new areas are surfacing at high crash areas.
They have done several speed surveys and found that after the special unit has
worked a high crash area, the travel speed of motorists decreases. The City
of Oklahoma is supporting the RAID Program.
Contact:
Lt. Nancy Rateliff
Oklahoma City Police Department
701 Colcord Drive
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
Phone: (405) 297-1280
The Safe and Courteous Driving Campaign addresses
Oregons aggressive and unsafe driving issues by aiming messages at work
zones, sharing the road with vulnerable road users, extending courtesy to other
drivers, and safe driving behaviors. The campaign uses billboards, transit placards,
movie theater slides, and radio and television advertising. A public service
announcement video has also been released.
Contact:
Walt Mc Allister
Transportation Safety Division
Department of Transportation
555 13th Street, NE, Suite 3
Salem, OR 97301
Phone: (503) 986-4187
Fax: (503) 986-4189
(July 1998) The Pennsylvania State Polices
program is known as Ticket the Aggressive Driver (Tag-D). It uses
unmarked cars, aircraft, and Department of Transportation vehicles. In some
cases, officers in civilian clothes are used to call in violations to other
officers in marked units for enforcement action.
Contact:
Pennsylvania State Police
Bureau of Patrol
1800 Elmerton Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Phone: (717) 772-1825
Fax: (717) 783-7690
The Pennsylvania State Polices Centipede
program started in 1997, is still be used during high traffic volume times,
such as holidays, special events and long weekends. The Centipede
program consists of placing six or more troopers along a highway, spaced approximately
two miles apart. The primary technology used is radar, but the troopers are
looking for any type of aggressive driving behavior. As the motorist travels
past the first officer, the driver may feel it is safe to speed or resume previous
behavior. The motorist would then meet the second officer, spaced two miles
down the highway and that officer could take enforcement action and this would
continue down the line of officers involved in the Centipede detail.
Any one of the six officers spaced out along the highway would take enforcement
action when they see a violation occur. While one officer is busy on a traffic
stop and out of the line, the space between the officers may be 2, 4, or 6 miles.
The motoring public would not know when and where the next officer may be located.
T.A.G.D.- Ticket the Aggressive Driver is still used by individual
officers and by groups of officers on special details. Both programs have received
extra funding at times to allow for overtime shifts, but the program has also
been used during regular working hours. There is no media campaign, no public
information and education associated with the Centipede or T.A.G.D.
campaigns.
Contact:
Trooper John Spishock
Pennsylvania State Police
O.I.C.
1800 Elmerton Ave.
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Phone: (717) 783-5517
In 1997, the Rhode Island State Police initiated its aggressive
driver program. The program was started because Rhode Island had experienced
a 54 percent increase in fatal crashes. Many of the fatal crashes were the result
of traffic violations usually attributed to aggressive drivers. A weekly deployment
of four unmarked cars equipped with in-car video systems targeting aggressive
drivers in specific areas. The program also involves the use of a media campaign,
which includes interviews and (media) ride-alongs in an effort to enhance
public awareness regarding aggressive driving.
Contact:
Lt. John Blessing
Rhode Island State Police
Traffic Services/Planning & Research Unit
311 Danielson Pike
North Sinuate, RI 02857
Phone: (401) 444-1115
Fax: (401) 444-1141
The South Carolina Highway Patrol has an Aggressive
Driving Program called State Trooper On Patrol (STOP).
Operation Stop uses unmarked vehicles, vehicles that look like a taxi and other
used vehicles. There are seven districts and each district has an aggressive
driving team. Each team consists of a supervisor and four troopers. The supervisor
identifies the violator and the trooper makes the stop. Each team focuses on
high speed and a combination of other violations.During various times of the
year, three teams will focus on a particular interstate. An aircraft is used
along with two motorcycles per team. There has been some media involvement.
There was a Thanksgiving Blitz (2000) with strong media coverage.
Traffic fatalities in 2000 were up by 64 by the end of June compared
to 1999. Within three months of the Aggressive Driving Program actively working
in teams, traffic fatalities dropped the next three months. There were 11 less
fatalities compared to the same time in 1999.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol instructs a two hour aggressive
training to all of there officers. The training is to familiarize the officers
with the problem posed by the aggressive driver and provide the necessary information
for identifying the interdiction of the aggressive driver.
Contact:
Lt. Col. M.W. Kelly
South Carolina Highway Patrol HQ
5400 Broad River Road
Columbia, SC 29210
Phone: (803)896-7878
In early 1997, the Greer Police Department began
an extensive education program for both the citizens of the community and the
officers. The program is known as Targeting the Aggressive Driver. Its primary
purpose is to make everyone aware of the importance of obeying traffic laws
and reducing crashes. In addition, an enforcement program was implemented to
supplement the education portion. The overall result has been a 22 percent decrease
in crashes in the first seven months of the campaign compared with the same
period in 1996.
Contact:
Sergeant Jolene Vancil
Greer Police Department
101 West Poinsett Street
Greer, SC 29650
Phone: (864) 848-2188
Fax: (864) 848-2163
On April 7, 2000, Sheriff Johnny Mack Brown, Greenville
County Sheriffs Office, held a press conference discussing the
problems associated with aggressive driving. Sheriff Brown announced strategies
that the Sheriffs Office is implementing to address the growing concern
of aggressive driving. Greenville teamed up with the South Carolina Highway
Patrol. The Sheriffs Office is using their helicopter to identify and
videotape drivers who speed, follow too closely, change lanes improperly, and
disregard the rules of the road.
Contact:
Sergeant Mike Brown
Greenville County Sheriffs Office
4 McGee Street
Greenville, SC 29601
Phone: (864) 467-5362
In the latter half of 1997, the cities of Arlington
and Fort Worth began targeting aggressive drivers to reduce crashes
and associated injuries. Patrol officers were encouraged to become more involved
in traffic enforcement with an increased emphasis on aggressive driving. The
team enforcement concept was used along with marked patrol cars and motorcycles.
A call-in program was developed for citizens to report aggressive drivers. The
calls are screened and letters are sent to violators seeking voluntary compliance
with traffic laws. In more serious cases, the traffic unit conducts a follow-up
investigation.
Contact:
Lt. Travis Moore
Arlington Police Department
Traffic Division
P.O. Box 1065
Arlington, TX 76004-1065
Phone: (817) 459-5612
Lt. Greg Schnake
Fort Worth Police Department
Traffic Division
1100 Nashville
Fort Worth, TX 76105
Phone: (817) 871-7110 or 871-7112
Richardson (Texas) Police Department Downstream
lights are used for red light enforcement. After much frustration in trying
to effect traffic stops by red light violators, because of the width of the
intersection, the Richardson Police Department worked with the city engineering
department to devise a system that could be used to safely enforce the law against
red light violators. The construction of the highway system through Richardson
has created wide intersections and increased hazards for the officer to pursue
a motorist that had run a red light. If a motorists ran a red light, he would
be driving through the intersection for several seconds and the potential of
being hit by other motorists entering the intersection was extremely high.
They developed a system to install 40 watt traffic lights that
would come on when the traffic light turned red. The light was off-set from
the red, yellow and green lights, would be visible from any direction. With
the downstream lights, one police officer could work traffic at
the intersection. As the traffic signal turns red, the white light would come
on and the officer could see the vehicle that had driven through the red light,
and know that the light was red. Because the officer was sitting downstream,
it is easy to direct the vehicle to the side of road or pull in behind the vehicle,
for a traffic stop. In an effort to make sure the technology was accepted by
the courts, the police department did demonstrations for the judges to make
them aware of how the technology was designed to work and how easy the lights
were to observe. Costs to install this light system is: $500 for materials,
services of two people and approximately six work hours, per intersection. During
a recent red-light enforcement campaign, over 300 citations were issued in the
first two days. Over 70% of the citations were the result of the use of the
downstream enforcement lights.
Contact:
Deputy Chief Larry Zacharias
(for enforcement information)
Richardson Police Department
P.O. Box 831078
Richardson, TX 75083
Phone: (972) 238-3800
The San Antonio Police Department received a grant to implement their Aggressive Driving Program. SAPD has a six month program to decrease aggressive driving within the city through a three-part approach, including Education, Enforcement, and Assessment.
Each officer attends a 16 hour in-service course designed to give each officer an insight into the behavior of an aggressive driver, how to identify those characteristics, and what enforcement will best correct those behavior patterns.
A Drive Cool campaign will focus on educating the
public about the dangers of aggressive driving. After the public has been educated,
the officers will work target sites in marked SAPD patrol cars and plain unmarked
vehicles driven by an officer in plain clothes. Uniformed officers will make
the traffic stop. Motorcycle officers and helicopter support will be utilized
when needed.
Contact:
Captain Tom Polonis
Lieutenant Larry Cisneros
Traffic Section
515 S. Frio
San Antonio, Texas 78207
Phone: (210) 207-7400
The Utah Highway Patrol started an aggressive driver
enforcement program in Salt Lake City because of the extensive construction
project underway on I-15 through the city. The Highway Patrol has started using
unmarked cars and other non-conventional police vehicles to patrol for aggressive
drivers. A training program was developed and is taught by public information
officers across the State by request.
Contact:
Lieutenant Judy Hamacker
Utah Highway Patrol
State Capitol Bldg., B-13
400 North State Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84114
Phone: (801) 538-1116
The Fairfax County Polices Operation Road Shark
started September 21, 1998 as a spin off from the Smooth Operator
program done in the metropolitan Washington, D.C. area. During the first week
of operation, 1,800 citations were written for aggressive driving, with speed
being the most common. Sixty-eight percent of the violators were male. The most
common reason given for the aggressive driving behavior, late for work.
Contact:
Officer Robert Barton
Fairfax County Police Department
3911 Woodburn
Annandale, VA 22003
Phone: (703)280-0561
The Washington State Patrol started its aggressive driving program on Memorial Day weekend, 1998. Two unmarked vehicles and motorcycles were assigned to target flagrant violators. Currently, there are 10 Aggressive Driving Apprehension Team (ADAT) vehicles throughout the state. There are also 2 vehicles that look like taxi cabs. The trooper calls ahead to a marked patrol vehicle, who initiates the stop. Video cameras are mounted in each vehicle. Most of the funding for equipment and vehicles have been paid for by Washington State Traffic Safety grants.
Each district has the option of teaming up with other agencies, but most of
the ADAT vehicles work the interstate system. Troopers are assigned to the ADAT
vehicle, working during rush hour or high traffic areas on a three month rotating
basis. There has not been any incidents with violators failing to stop for the
unmarked vehicles. Marked vehicles and motorcycle officers participate in the
Aggressive Driving Program. Training on aggressive driving is provided to cadets
and troopers.
In the beginning of the Aggressive Driving Program there was strong media involvement.
A media blitz advised the public about the program. The media has ridden with
troopers and video of violators was aired on the local news. The media continues
to be involved with the Aggressive Driving Program. An educational video on
aggressive driving was made and is available upon request.
Contact:
Lieutenant Timothy Braniff
Washington State Patrol
PO Box 42600
Olympia, WA 98504-2600
Phone: (360) 753-6890
(Includes law enforcement agencies in Washington, D.C., Maryland and
Virginia) Twenty-six law enforcement agencies throughout Northern
Virginia, Suburban Maryland, and the District of Columbia participate
in the National Capital Area Smooth Operator Program. This anti-aggressive driving
initiative began in 1997 with an emphasis on four one-week waves of selective
enforcement by the participating agencies. It has since evolved into a comprehensive
traffic safety program with four main focus areas: data collection and analysis;
public awareness and education; coordinated enforcement efforts; and driver
improvement strategies.
The Smooth Operator Campaign combines the efforts of law enforcement with public
relations and research to address all areas of aggressive driving. A public
awareness program was launched in April of 2000, in conjunction with ongoing
waves of law enforcement aimed at the aggressive driving problem. It was targeted
at motorists, and one of its primary goals was to make the public more aware
of jurisdictional efforts to reduce aggressive driving.
Contact:
1st Sergeant Carl Miller
Maryland State Police
1201 Reistertown Road
Pikesville, MD 21208-3899
Phone: (410) 653-4217
The City of Milwaukee Aggressive Driving Enforcement Project called Aggression
Suppression is the first NHTSA-sponsored aggressive driving enforcement
demonstration. The six-month program combined intensified general and targeted
enforcement, incorporating innovative strategies and technologies, with publicity
about the dangers of aggressive driving and the heightened enforcement. The
program was organized into a series of three-week highly visible enforcement
and public education media effort focusing on a specific aggressive driving
offense.
Contact:
Milwaukee Safety Commission
Milwaukee Police Department
6680 N. Teutonia Ave #151
Milwaukee, WI 53209-3117
Phone: (414) 935-7991
Fax: (414) 935-3561
Pending the outcome of more definitive research, NHTSA considers the aggressive driver problem to be primarily an urban, rush hour problem. The aggressive driver programs enumerated in this document have been designated as being such by the state or local jurisdictions in which they are being or have been conducted.