Law Enforcement Watching for Aggressive Drivers April 5-14

In Idaho, 465 people were killed as a result of aggressive driving from 2007 to
2011. Aggressive driving contributes to nearly half of all Idaho motor vehicle
crashes. Nearly three-quarters of aggressive-driving crashes statewide occur in
urban areas, but four out of five fatal aggressive-driving crashes involve a
single vehicle speeding through a rural area. 

Drivers ages 19 and younger are more than four times as likely to be involved
in an aggressive driving crash than all other drivers.

Speeding, not obeying traffic control devices, following too close
(tailgating), driving too fast for conditions, weaving in and out of traffic,
making improper lane changes, passing on shoulders in an unsafe manner and
unnecessary horn-honking are considered aggressive driving behaviors and
traffic violations by law enforcement.

Screaming or flashing lights and making rude hand or facial gestures are
additional aggressive-driving behaviors that could escalate to road rage, a
criminal act.

Road rage is a deliberate act of assault with a motor vehicle or other
dangerous weapon by the occupant of one vehicle against the occupant of another
vehicle, O’Connor explained. Often, the person who incites the road rage may
not have done so intentionally.

Road rage can lead to criminal charges.

O’Connor advises motorists to stay calm and safely get out of the way if
confronted with an aggressive driver. Do not challenge him or her, avoid eye
contact and ignore gestures. Always be sure that seat belts are fastened in
case abrupt movements cause a loss of vehicle control. 

Citizens have the right to report an aggressive driving or road-rage incident
to law enforcement agencies if witnessed in the absence of an officer.