Montgomery County, MD—Effective August 2nd through the first two weeks of September, Park Police officers will be stepping up their patrols against aggressive drivers as part of a statewide program.
Aggressive driving is a combination of unsafe and unlawful driving actions that constitute a conscious and willing disregard for safety. Aggressive driving offenses include tailgating, unsafe lane changes, speeding, running red lights and stop signs, improper passing and failing to yield the right of way.
Here are some tips on how to avoid aggressive drivers:
- Get out of their way and steer clear of them on the road.
- Stay relaxed. Remember that reaching your destination safely and calmly is your goal.
- Don’t challenge them. Avoid eye contact. Ignore rude gestures and refuse to return them.
- Give them the benefit of the doubt. Not all aggressive driving behavior is intentional.
- Don’t block the passing lane, especially if you are driving slower than most of the traffic. Move over to the right lane.
- Dial 301-949-3010 on a cell phone to report aggressive drivers on park roads.
Here are some tips on how to avoid becoming an aggressive driver:
- Allow more travel time to get to your destination. It reduces stress dramatically.
- Come to a full stop at red lights and stop signs. Never run yellow lights.
- Let other drivers merge with you.
- Obey posted speed limits.
- Don’t follow other drivers too closely.
- Resist temptation to teach someone “a lesson.”
- Concentrate on driving – not on the stereo, cell phone, passengers or other distractions.
- Remember that you can’t control traffic – but you can control yourself, your driving, and your emotions.
(Tips courtesy of www.smoothoperatorprogram.com)
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Contact:
Sgt. Lauryn McNeill
Media Relations Officer
Maryland-National Capital Park Police, Montgomery County Division
240-876-6670