5-30-12

FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL RELEASES RESULTS FROM Aggressive driving enforcement

~ Patrol issues more than 2,000 citations for aggressive driving ~

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. –The Florida Highway Patrol today announced the preliminary enforcement results from the Patrol’s Ticketing Aggressive Cars and Trucks campaign. During three enforcement periods between February and May, troopers were on the lookout for car and truck drivers who committed violations attributed to aggressive driving, such as speeding, following too closely and changing lanes improperly. The efforts focused on motorists’ driving behavior around large trucks in an effort to reduce the number of commercial vehicle related crashes.

Troopers issued more than 4,900 citations during the campaign; more than 2,000 citations were for violations associated with aggressive driving.

In addition to targeted enforcement, the campaign used billboard and radio messaging to increase awareness among car and truck drivers of safe driving behaviors around one another and of the heightened risk of receiving a ticket for a violation. FHP collaborated with the Florida Trucking Association to conduct activities at schools and community centers around the state to educate drivers on how to share the road safely with trucks.

“The Florida Highway Patrol is committed to keeping our roadways safe for all motorists, and we were pleased to partner with the Florida Trucking Association on this safety campaign,” said FHP Director Col. David Brierton. “Whether you are driving a commercial motor vehicle or a passenger car, it is a driver’s responsibility to drive with care.”

The members of the Florida Highway Patrol remind everyone that in order to keep you and your family safe when driving around large trucks, you should be extra cautious. Sharing the road with larger vehicles can be dangerous if you are not aware of their limitations.