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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