A media event recently held in Clearfield, Pa., stressed that aggressive driving behaviors, such as speeding and tailgating, are significant contributing factors to accidents and fatalities on state roadways.
In 2021, aggressive driving behaviors contributed to 6,206 crashes in Pennsylvania. A total of 126 fatalities and 481 suspected serious injuries resulted from these crashes.
Officials explained that police conduct high visibility enforcement details to reduce the number of roadway crashes. In addition, law enforcement is currently conducting aggressive driving enforcement for the state’s Move Over Law.
The law requires drivers approaching an area where an emergency vehicle has its lights flashing or where road crews or emergency responders have lighted flares, posted signs, or try to warn travelers to pass the emergency response area at a speed of no more than 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit. This applies if the drivers are unable to safely merge into a lane farther away from the response area.
“It’s about stopping crashes and saving lives,” Ryan Hendrick, Ferguson Township Police Sergeant, said. “Slowing down and increasing your following distance not only keeps you from being pulled over, but it also significantly reduces your chances of being injured or killed in a crash.”
The event was hosted by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Ferguson Township Police, Department and Highway Safety Network.