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Aggressive drivers who do not follow the rules of the road are a hazard to all motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians. GHSA encourages additional research into this issue and the sponsorship of effective countermeasures to detect, apprehend and discourage the aggressive driver.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines aggressive driving as "the operation of a motor vehicle in a manner which endangers or is likely to endanger persons or property." Some of the most common actions considered aggressive include:
- Speeding
- Red light running
- Failure to yield
- Following too closely
- Unsafe lane changes
- Failure to obey traffic control devices
- Failure to use proper signals
- Improper passing
- failure to obey railroad grade crossing
- failure to stop for a school bus
NHTSA estimates that one-third of traffic crashes and two-thirds of resulting deaths can be attributed to aggressive driving. The exact extent of the problem is difficult to measure due to the broad range of driver actions that may be included in the definition.
Nearly all states have reckless driving statutes that cover many risky driver behaviors. However, over the past decade, several states have either enacted aggressive driving laws or modified existing reckless driving statutes to include aggressive driving. Each law defines aggressive driving as a combination of specific driver actions.
In addition to legislation, states are addressing aggressive driving in other ways, including:
- Increased enforcement, through programs such as the Mid-Atlantic states' Smooth Operator law enforcement program.
- Local citizens' initiatives and coalitions that implement public information/education campaigns to improve driver courtesy.
- Technological
advances, such as photo radar.
- State public information and education programs that focus on the dangers of aggressive driving, provide tips for safe driving, publicize upcoming enforcement programs or advertise tip lines for reporting aggressive driving behavior.
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