Police In Bucks Join Statewide Aggressive Driving Enforcement Campaign

DOYLESTOWN, PA — Police in 24 Bucks County communities will be joining the Pennsylvania State Police in a targeted statewide aggressive driving enforcement wave this summer to reduce the number of crashes, injuries, and fatalities on area roadways.

“It is important to realize that aggressive driving is deliberate behavior, not an inattentive error. It is a combination of two or more moving violations that place other persons or property at risk,” said Highway Safety Network Executive Director Chris Lengle. “Summer is a busy travel season on our highways and the odds are likely that you will witness some type of aggressive driving behavior. If you do happen to encounter an aggressive driver, do not react, or engage in similar behavior. Please be tolerant and realize it might be a mistake. Let aggressive drivers pass and give them plenty of space.”

According to PennDOT data, in 2022 there were 1,342 aggressive driving crashes, resulting in 39 fatalities and 94 suspected serious injuries in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties. Aggressive driving crashes involve at least two aggressive driving factors in the same crash. Factors include but are not limited to, running stop signs or red lights, tailgating, careless turning or passing, and driving too fast for conditions.

The enforcement wave focuses on heavy truck violations, pedestrian safety, red light running, and tailgating. Motorists exhibiting other unsafe behaviors such as driving too fast for conditions, following too closely, or other aggressive actions will also be cited.

Law enforcement will use traffic enforcement zones, saturation patrols, speed enforcement details, corridor enforcement, work zone enforcement, and multi-jurisdictional patrol strategies to identify and cite aggressive drivers.

Taking part in the campaign in Bucks County are Bedminster, Bensalem, Bristol Borough, Bristol Township, Buckingham Township, Doylestown Township, Falls Township, Hilltown Township, Lower Southampton, Middletown Township, New Britain Township, New Hope Borough, Newtown Borough, Newtown Township, Northampton Township, Penndel Borough, Plumstead Township, Quakertown Borough, Richland Township, Solebury Township, Tinicum Township, Upper Southampton, Warrington Township and Warwick Township.

The enforcement is part of Pennsylvania’s Highway Safety Program and is funded by part of PennDOT’s investment of federal funds from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Aggressive-driving factors include:

• Making illegal U-turns.
• Improper/careless turning.
• Turning from the wrong lane.
• Proceeding without clearance after stop.
• Running stop sign.
• Running a red light.
• Failure to respond to other traffic control devices.
• Tailgating.
• Sudden slowing/stopping.
• Careless passing or lane change.
• Passing in no passing zone.
• Making improper entrance to a highway.
• Making improper exits from a highway.
• Speeding.
• Driving too fast for the conditions.
• Driver fleeing police.

If you encounter an aggressive driver, put your safety first:

• Get out of their way and stay as far away as possible.
• Do not engage or challenge the driver in any way.
• Stay relaxed, avoid eye contact, and ignore rude gestures.
• Don't block the passing lane if you are driving slower than most of the traffic.
• Do not attempt to follow or pursue the vehicle.
• You or a passenger may call the police. But, if you use a cell phone, pull over to a safe location. If you can, note the license plate and a description of the car.

The goal of targeted enforcement is to reduce the number of aggressive driving-related crashes, injuries, and deaths on roadways throughout the state. Any aggressive driver stopped by police will receive a ticket.

“You should strive to arrive alive to your destination every time you get behind the wheel of an automobile. What this means is to drive with a clear mind, take your time, and obey the traffic control signs and speed limit. Be mindful and respectful of other drivers on the road,” said Philadelphia Police Lt. Lawrence Tankelewicz.