A Tennessee Town Forms a New Anti-Aggressive Driving Program
Anybody who has driven in a vehicle recently probably has witnessed an incident of aggressive driving, whether as basic as a driver flipping you the middle finger when you stop for the yellow light that he intended to drive through to as dangerous as a driver pulling in front of you and slamming on the brakes in retaliation for some perceived wrong. Across the country, there has been an escalation of aggressive driving accidents and confrontations, which has led to one Tennessee city forming a special unit as part of an anti-aggressive driving program.
The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) has reported that aggressive driving contributed to one-third of all traffic accidents and may have led to as many as two-thirds of the fatal car accidents. The NHTSA defines aggressive driving as happening when “an individual commits a combination of moving traffic offenses so as to endanger other persons or property.” In order to assist local law enforcement agencies with the creation of effective programs to combat this trend, the NHTSA has created a strategy resource for police departments to create effective protocols, with the successful programs throughout the country (see http://www.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/enforce/aggressdrivers/aggenforce/toc.html).
In response to these sobering statistics and the effectiveness of targeted programs, the Murfreesboro Police Department is taking action. It has just launched a new program where it will target aggressive drivers in order to prevent road rage and traffic accidents, creating a safer environment for fellow motorists and pedestrians.
In order to cut down on the number of aggressive drivers, police officers will be ticketing behavior that is part of a pattern, including following another vehicle too close, weaving in and out of traffic, speeding, and ignoring traffic signals and other signage. The new anti-aggressive driving team also will work to decrease distracted driving but focusing on drivers who are texting while behind the wheel or are blaring the car stereos. The very load music will result in a citation for a noise violation. These officers will be working with technology to catch violators, including using unmarked vehicles equipped with dashboard cameras and other equipment to record the behavior of those being ticketed.
If you witness aggressive driving, it is important not to attempt to do anything yourself. However, there are steps that you can take to assist your local police department in stopping the dangerous actions of the other driver. Make note of the vehicle description, the license plate, and the driver, with as much detail as possible. If you have a camera or camera phone and it is safe for you or a passenger to take a picture of the aggressive driver and car, or even a short video of the driving, then do that. However, you should not take any actions that will attract the attention of the aggressive driver, which could lead to a confrontation. Law enforcement officers are in the best position to address this behavior.
According to accident statistics throughout the nation, most of us will be in at least one car accident in our lives. For many people, these collisions result in serious harm and years of debilitating pain and suffering. If the accident was caused by an aggressive driver, there is an additional element of emotional trauma because the harm was the result of an intentional action. The compassionate Memphis car accident attorneys at Bailey & Greer, PLLC understand what you are going through and are here to assist you. We know how to collect the evidence necessary to make the other driver take responsibility for his actions and get you the compensation that you deserve for the harm that you suffered. Out attorneys are available to discuss your situation in a confidential consultation, without charge, at your convenience. To set up a time to meet, please call us at 901-680-9777.
Since graduating magna cum laude in 2005 from the University of Memphis School of Law, Thomas has helped make a difference in the lives of victims of serious personal injury, wrongful death, and professional negligence. Thomas has extensive trial experience in both state and federal court. Among other victories in the courtroom, Thomas obtained several impressive jury verdicts and settlements
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