Florida Highway Patrol cracks down on aggressive driving
Aggressive drivers beware. The Florida Highway Patrol is cracking down on those whose driving behavior puts others at risk. The Florida Highway Patrol began beefing up its patrols end the ednd of July to reduce the dangers on the Florida Turnpike and interstate highways.
During the aggressive driving enforcement initiative, Florida’s state troopers will increase enforcement. If you tailgate, change lanes without warning, speed, run traffic lights or ignore traffic signs or signals, you are engaging in aggressive driving. In addition, troopers will keep an eye out for drivers who violate the Move Over Law and those who drive under the influence of illegal drugs and alcohol.
Be Smart, Drive Smart Florida! is the first of a series of special enforcement campaigns that focus on specific violations. All available FHP personnel will participate in the targeted enforcement, including troopers and supervisors normally assigned to non-patrol functions. Troopers will use RADAR, VASCAR, LASER, video cameras, motorcycles and unmarked patrol vehicles. FHP also will engage its aircraft to spot aggressive drivers from the air and then direct troopers on the ground to pull them over and initiate appropriate enforcement action. During the two-day enforcement detail, troopers will focus their enforcement efforts on every interstate, Florida’s Turnpike and other major state roads in Florida where aggressive driving is prevalent.
When a trooper stops someone for aggressive driving, the violator will receive a traffic citation for the offenses committed, and the trooper will check an “aggressive driving” box on the citation.
There are no additional fines or points given for aggressive driving. Once traffic court judges notice the aggressive driving box checked on the citation, they tend to impose higher fines or require the defendants to enroll in an aggressive driving course.
“Aggressive driving is a dangerous activity that can lead to serious injury or death. The Florida Highway Patrol is committed to creating the safest possible driving environment for our residents and visitors,” said the Director of the Florida Highway Patrol, Colonel John Czernis.
The Florida Highway Patrol encourages motorists to call *FHP (*347) on their cellular phones to report drunk, aggressive or other dangerous drivers. Callers can remain anonymous. Motorists who experience car trouble on the highway or otherwise need assistance from the FHP also may dial *FHP to request assistance.