Newtown-area police, the Pennsylvania State Police, and PennDOT are launching a coordinated aggressive driving enforcement wave.
The statewide mobilization starts Monday and runs through August 18.
PennDOT officials said the goal is to reduce the number of crashes, injuries, and fatalities on area roadways.
In Lower Bucks County, the 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 police departments are taking part.
The local departments join troopers and more than 80 departments in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties.
“The enforcement wave will target heavy truck violations, pedestrian safety, red light running, and tailgating. Motorists demonstrating unsafe behaviors, such as driving too fast for conditions or other aggressive actions, will also be cited,” PennDOT officials said.
Police and troopers will set up enforcement zones, saturation patrols, speed enforcement details, corridor enforcement, work zone enforcement, and multi-jurisdictional patrols.
Data from the state showed there were 1,363 aggressive driving crashes in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties last year. The wrecks led to 39 deaths and 104 serious injuries.
“The goal of targeted enforcement is to reduce the number of aggressive driving-related crashes, injuries, and deaths on roadways throughout the state. Any aggressive driver stopped by police will receive a ticket,” PennDOT officials said in a statement.
The enforcement effort is funded by part of PennDOT’s investment of federal funds from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It is part of the Pennsylvania Highway Safety Program.
If you encounter an aggressive driver, PennDOT offers the below tips:
- Get out of their way and don’t challenge them.
- Stay relaxed, avoid eye contact, and ignore rude gestures.
- Don’t block the passing lane if you drive slower than most 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.
