It does not take long to find examples of
aggressive driving on our roadways. Most of us see it every
day – the road racer, the distracter, the tailgater, the
frequent lane changer, the red light runner. The atmosphere
created by aggressive drivers is scary.
Aggressive
Driving Is All Around Us
We have all seen aggressive drivers who carelessly:
Express frustration. Drivers climb
into the anonymity of an automobile and take out their
frustrations on anybody at any time. Their emotions are
high, and the concern for fellow motorists is low.
Lack attention to driving.
Distractions from driving are a major cause of roadway
crashes. Motorists are often seen talking, eating, drinking,
primping – yes, even shaving – as they drive. Some
drivers make their automobiles a “home away from home,”
with fax machines and laptop computers.
Tailgate. Tailgating creates a
serious hazard. It is a major cause of crashes that can
result in serious injuries.
Make frequent, unnecessary lane
changes. Drivers who whip in and out of lanes merely to
advance one car length ahead are a danger to other
motorists.
Exhibition drive. Simulating a
race with other vehicles or just showing off for friends is
not only illegal, but is dangerous to other motorists and
may cause a crash.
Rubberneck. Slowing down to look
at an incident is a natural human reaction. But this
behavior slows traffic, causes congestion, and may lead to
another car crash.
Run red lights and stop signs.
Disregarding traffic controls is a leading cause of urban
crashes.
Speed. Going faster than the
posted speed limit, being a “road racer,” going too fast
for conditions, and weaving in and out of traffic are some
examples of speeding.
The Mobridge Police Department takes
aggressive driving seriously. Aggressive drivers pose a
threat not only to other motorists, but also to pedestrians,
bicyclists, and children. MPD may use both traditional and
non-traditional measures to ensure the safety of the
community such as covert traffic monitoring and reporting by
officers and volunteers, traffic saturation patrols, and use
of unmarked vehicles.
Help
Get the Word Out to Others
Discuss aggressive driving with members of your family,
friends, individuals, and community groups. This is how you
can help:
Give everyone an opportunity to take the
test. We all need to look at ourselves to see if we are
contributors to the atmosphere. Ask about driving habits
everyone is performing well and others that need to be
improved.
Realize that traffic crashes are caused
by the way we drive. Motor vehicle crashes are not
inevitable, they are avoidable.
Reduce your stress when you drive. Allow
plenty of time for the trip, listen to soothing music,
improve the comfort in your vehicle, and understand that you
cannot control the traffic, only your reaction to it. In the
end, we may very well discover that personal frustration,
anger, and impatience may be the most dangerous “drugs”
on the highway.
Assume other drivers’ mistakes are not
personal. Be polite and courteous, even if the other driver
is not. Avoid all conflict if possible. If another driver
challenges you, take a deep breath, and move out of the way.
Never underestimate the other driver’s capacity for
mayhem.
Report aggressive drivers in the Mobridge
area by calling (605) 845-5000 or 9-1-1.
If you have a cellular telephone in your vehicle, keep the
number handy. Then, when you see a driver operating a
vehicle in a threatening manner, you or a passenger should
make the call in a safe manner. Make sure you give a vehicle
description, license number, the location, and direction of
travel. You could prevent a tragedy.
Be a courteous driver yourself. Everyone
has the power to set an example, and this will help make our
roadways safer. Use that power.
We All
Need To Take the Test
What about your own driving? Take a minute to evaluate
yourself to see if you may have developed some habits that
could be adding to the aggressive driving atmosphere.
to take the aggressive driver evaluation.
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