Aggressive drivers - poor driver attitude – road rage – we see it every day. The speeder, the inattentive driver, the tailgater, the compulsive lane changer, the red light runner. The atmosphere created by an aggressive driver is frightening. In fact, a recent American Automobile Association survey found that in some areas, aggressive drivers are perceived as a bigger safety threat than impaired drivers!

Aggressive Driving vs. Road Rage Driving

Speed Enforcement
Aggressive drivers place us all at risk each and every day. With little concern for other drivers on the road, aggressive drivers disregard the basic traffic safety rules which protect us all.

• Swerving in and out of lanes with no turn signals
• Speeding along at more than 10 MPH greater than posted limits
• Running red lights

The Arizona Aggressive Driver Program was started in July of 1995 as a response to some incidents of aggressive driving behavior on our freeways. GOHS purchased two unmarked Chevrolet Monte Carlos and an unmarked Dodge Intrepid. These vehicles were operated by the Department of Public Safety (DPS) in the Phoenix/Casa Grande area. This detail adopted a "zero-tolerance" policy towards aggressive driving behavior.

Since 1995, GOHS has expanded the program and purchased over twenty additional unmarked vehicles for law enforcement agencies throughout Arizona.

Arizona Law

Aggressive driving; violation; classification; definition 28-695. ARS-28-695
A. A person commits aggressive driving if both of the following occur:

1. During a course of conduct the person commits a violation of either section 28-701, subsection A or section 28-701.02 and at least two of the following violations: Failure to obey traffic control devices as provided in section 28-644.

• Overtaking and passing another vehicle on the right by driving off the pavement or main traveled portion of the roadway as provided in section 28-724.
• Unsafe lane change as provided in section 28-729.
• Following a vehicle too closely as provided in section 28-730.
• Failure to yield the right-of-way as provided in article 9 of this chapter.

2. The person's driving is an immediate hazard to another person or vehicle.

• A person convicted of aggressive driving is guilty of a class 1 misdemeanor.

Tips to Avoid Aggressive Driving

Realize that traffic crashes are caused by the way we drive. Motor vehicle crashes are avoidable, not inevitable.

Reduce your stress when you drive. Allow plenty of time for the trip, listen to soothing music, improve your comforts 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 “drug” on the highway. Try to make “time good” instead of “good time.”

Assume other drivers’ mistakes are not personal. Be polite and courteous even if the other driver is not. Avoid all conflicts if possible. If another driver challenges you, take a deep breath and get out of the way. Never underestimate the other driver’s capacity for aggressive behavior.

Report aggressive drivers. When you see a driver operating a vehicle in a threatening manner, get to the nearest telephone, safely and courteously, and notify the local highway patrol, sheriff’s office, or police. Make sure you get the vehicle description, license number, location, and direction of travel. You could help prevent a tragedy.

Be a courteous driver yourself
Everyone has the power to set an example, and this will make our roadways safer. Use that power.

Unmarked Police Cars

This is not aggressive driving. This is road rage, and it is a crime.

Road Rage & Aggressive Driving Research & Links

• Aggressive Driving Action Guide- A Criminal Justice Approach
• Aggressive Driving - Enforcement and Justice Services
• Controlling Road Rage- A Literature Review and Pilot Study