FHP Cracks Down On Aggressive Driving In Statewide Enforcement

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Florida - FHP has started a statewide enforcement period as part of the Ticketing Aggressive Cars and Trucks (TACT) Campaign, which will run through June 30.

The campaign is designed to highlight the dangers of driving aggressively. This includes tailgating, unsafe lane changes, and speeding, especially near large trucks.

"FHP is committed to reducing the number of commercial vehicle-related crashes on Florida roadways," said Colonel Gene Spaulding, Director of the Florida Highway Patrol. "We can reduce crashes if we all share the roads safely, avoid aggressive driving behaviors, and exercise additional caution when driving near larger vehicles."

According to Alexis Bakofsky, Deputy Communications Director for the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, aggressive driving includes several different behaviors. "Exceeding the posted speed limit, unsafely changing lanes, if you're following a vehicle too closely, you're passing improperly, you violate any kind of traffic signals or traffic devices, or you fail to yield the right of way... Any combination of those can be considered aggressive driving."

One goal of TACT is to emphasize the fact that motorists are at much higher risk when involved in a crash with a large commercial vehicle, which can be as long as 80 feet and weigh up to 20 tons. That large size means it can take 40% longer to come to a stop when compared to a smaller vehicle.

FHP is offering some tips for driving around large trucks:

-Large trucks have big blind spots, called "No Zones." Stay away from them.

-Pass trucks with caution: The left side offers maximum visibility, and maintain a constant speed.

-Don't cut trucks off. Leave plenty of room when you pull in front of a truck, they can't stop as fast as cars can.

-Be patient around larger vehicles that aren't going the same speed as you.

-Don't drive distracted. Anything that takes your attention off the road, even for a second, can be deadly. This includes texting, changing the radio station, and talking to passengers.

-Dial *FHP (*347) if you see aggressive or dangerous driving.

Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2016.