Idaho State Police and Idaho Transportation Department Partner to Combat Aggressive Driving and to Encourage Seatbelt Use

IDAHO STATE POLICE NEWS RELEASE – generated by our News Release ListServer

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IDAHO STATE POLICE NEWS RELEASE

Teresa Baker

Public Information Officer

Headquarters

700 S. Stratford Dr., Meridian 83642

(208) 884-7122

Fax (208) 884-7087

For Immediate Release: 4/11/14 at 1:15 p.m.

MERIDIAN – The Idaho State Police is partnering with the Idaho Transportation Department and local law enforcement agencies statewide in an effort to bring awareness to the behavior that is labeled aggressive driving, the great risk involved and to stop those who are engaging in it. The campaign will continue from April 11th until April 28th.

"Over the past three years aggressive driving contributed to the deaths of 218 people in Idaho and seriously injured another 1,840. The problem is serious and with the help of this high visibility campaign funded by the ITD's Office of Highway Safety, ISP hopes to let motorists know just exactly what constitutes aggressive driving," says Lt. Chris Weadick.

Those under 19 may be four times more likely to be involved in an aggressive driving crash, but they are not alone. Additionally, in 2012, 73% of all aggressive driving crashes occurred in urban areas, but 77% of the fatal aggressive driving crashes occurred in rural areas.

Are you an aggressive driver? You are if you do the following:

– Drive in a pushy, bold or selfish manner;

– Speed or drive too fast for conditions;

– Not obeying traffic-control devices;

– Follow too close or tailgate;

– Weave in and out of traffic, make improper lane changes or pass on shoulders in an unsafe manner;

– Honk unnecessarily;

– Scream or flash your lights; or

– Make rude hand or facial gestures.

If you recognize yourself in these characteristics, you are an aggressive driver and law enforcement is watching for you. These types of acts can escalate to road rage and lead to criminal charges.

If you are confronted by an aggressive driver, stay calm and safely get out of the way of the driver. Do not challenge him or her, avoid eye contact and ignore gestures.

"Of course, the best way to defend yourself from all types of unexpected traffic behavior of others is to always wear your seatbelt and secure children in the proper child safety restraints," Weadick said.

Citizens may report an aggressive driving or road-rage incident to law enforcement if witnessed in the absence of an officer. Motorists are advised to find a safe place to call 911, or call ISP dispatch at *ISP (*477) on your mobile phone. Try to provide time, location, license plate, vehicle and driver description and incident details.

Media:

For on-camera interviews or a ride-along, please contact Teresa Baker, PIO at 884-7122 or the District Offices:

District 1 – Coeur d?Alene

Lt. Chris Schenck

615 W. Wilbur, Ste. A

Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815

208-209-8622

District 2 – Lewiston

Lt. Allen Oswald

2700 North & South Highway

Lewiston, ID

208-799-5151

District 3 – Meridian

Lt. Brad Doty

700 S. Stratford Dr.

Meridian, ID

208-884-7368

District 4 – Jerome

Lt. Robert Rausch

218 West Yakima

Jerome, ID

208-324-6000

District 5 – Pocatello

Lt. Ismael Gonzales

5205 South 5th

Pocatello, ID

208-236-6466

District 6 – Idaho Falls

Lt. Chris Weadick

Idaho State Police

1540 Foote Dr.

Idaho Falls, ID

208-525-7377

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Posted in District 1 - Northern Idaho