Aggressive Drivers Target Of Bucks County Enforcement Wave

NEWTOWN, PA — The Newtown Borough, Newtown Township and Northampton Township police departments have joined the Pennsylvania State Police in a coordinated aggressive driving enforcement wave to reduce the number of crashes, injuries, and fatalities on area roadways.

The campaign, which is part of a statewide mobilization that runs through April 28, is focusing on distracted driving, speeding, and work zone awareness. Motorists exhibiting 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.

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).

If you encounter an aggressive driver, PennDOT offers these tips:

• Get out of their way and don't challenge them.
• Stay relaxed, avoid eye contact, and ignore rude gestures.
• Don't block the passing lane if you drive slower than most 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.

According to PennDOT, preliminary 2023 crash data shows there were 1,297 aggressive driving crashes, resulting in 39 fatalities and 99 suspected severe injuries in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties. Aggressive driving crashes involve at least two aggressive driving factors in the same crash, the agency said. 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 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, according to PennDOT.

The following Bucks County Departments are taking part in the campaign:

• Bedminster Township
• Bensalem Township
• Bristol Borough
• Bristol Township
• Buckingham Township
• Doylestown Township
• Falls Township
• Hilltown Township
• Lower Southampton
• Middletown Township
• Morrisville Borough
• 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
• Warwick Township