Pennsylvania State Police and local law enforcement are ramping up efforts to combat aggressive driving across the Philadelphia region with a targeted enforcement wave.
The initiative, which began this week, focuses on distracted driving, speeding, and work zone awareness, aiming to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities. Motorists exhibiting unsafe behaviors, such as tailgating and careless lane changes, will face citations, authorities said.
The enforcement wave runs this week through running through April 27.
State police, along with more than 80 municipal agencies, will utilize traffic enforcement zones, saturation patrols, and other strategies to identify and cite aggressive drivers.
Enhanced enforcement is planned for Route 1 in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties on Friday, March 28, officials said.
In Lower Bucks County, police departments in Bensalem Township, Bristol Borough, Bristol Township, Falls Township, Lower Southampton Township, Middletown Township, Morrisville Borough, Newtown Borough, Newtown Township, Northampton Township, Penndel Borough, and Upper Southampton Township are participating.
“Ensuring safety on our roadways is everyone’s responsibility,” said PennDOT District 6 Executive Din Abazi. “While PennDOT often urges drivers to slow down, buckle up, and avoid distractions or driving under the influence, it’s equally important to stay calm and courteous behind the wheel.”
There were 1,559 aggressive driving crashes in the five-county region, resulting in 40 fatalities and 93 suspected serious injuries. Aggressive driving factors include running red lights, tailgating, and driving too fast for conditions, according to 2024 PennDOT crash data.
“The Pennsylvania State Police remains committed to providing targeted enforcement of aggressive and distracted drivers in an effort to reduce crashes and save lives,” said Pennsylvania State Police Capt. Jonathan Sunderlin. “Troopers will be actively focused on drivers who are not only speeding, but also tailgating, failing to use turn signals, and distracted driving.”
The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia also pointed to the dangers of aggressive driving for cyclists.
“Aggressive driving poses significant safety risks for all road users, but particularly for cyclists who are vulnerable and lack protection from a vehicle,” said the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia Executive Director Chris Gale. “We all have places to go, and we all want to get there safely. It’s important we all do our part to share the road.”
The enforcement is part of Pennsylvania’s Highway Safety Program, which is funded by federal money from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
If you encounter an aggressive driver, PennDOT offered the below tips:
- Get out of their way and stay as far away as possible.
- Do not engage or challenge the driver in any way.
- Stay relaxed, avoid eye contact, and ignore rude gestures.
- Don’t block the passing lane if you are driving slower than most of the traffic.
- Do not attempt to follow or pursue the vehicle.
- You or a passenger may call the police. But, if you use a cell phone, pull over to a safe location. If you can, note the license plate and a description of the car.
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