Maryland Police Target Aggressive Driving in July

The Maryland Transportation Authority and police across the state will be pulling over aggressive drivers as part of a targeted enforcement effort over the next week, according to a statement from the agency.

Law enforcement will be cracking down on aggressive driving July 9 to July 18 in what is called the “Smooth Operator” campaign, a multi-agency initiative increase safety on Maryland roads.

To be cited for aggressive driving, state law says that drivers must be seen doing three of the following, according to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration:

• Speeding
• Failing to obey traffic control devices
• Overtaking and passing
• Following too closely
• Passing on the right
• Driving in the emergency lane
• Failing to yield the right of way

To avoid being an aggressive driver, the Smooth Operator initiative encourages motorists to do these things to be a smooth operator: allow extra time; focus on the road instead of distractions like the radio or phone; resist the urge to “teach someone a lesson”; come to a full stop at red lights; obey speed limits; allow space between vehicles; and “remember that you can’t control traffic—but you can control yourself, your driving, and your emotions.”

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