Spring is just around the corner. As temperatures rise and winter ice and snow recede from the roads, Hoosier drivers are tempted to increase their speeds and take more risks behind the wheel.
The Hamilton County Traffic Safety Partnership, a consortium of law enforcement agencies around the county and about 230 law enforcement agencies across Indiana, is warning drivers of increased patrols this March for aggressive driving violations. Overtime traffic enforcement is funded through National Highway Traffic Safety Administration grants administered by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI).
The rules of the road are not only the law, they are designed to help everyone reach their destinations safely and efficiently. By warning drivers of aggressive driving enforcement, the aim is to prevent unsafe driving and save lives.
Failing to yield the right of way is one of the top causes of crashes that lead to injuries and deaths. Following too closely and unsafe lane movement violations are also among top causes of crashes. Other aggressive driving violations include unsafe speed; driving too fast for weather conditions; disregarding a traffic signal or sign; and improper passing, turning, or lane usage.
Young drivers, particularly young men, are more likely to engage in unsafe driving behaviors before a crash. Statistics and more information are in the most recent Crash Fact Book and Dangerous Driving Fact Sheet that ICJI publishes with the Indiana University Public Policy Institute at trafficsafety.iupui.edu.