Aggressive Driving
Transportation Review
February 2007
Anne Teigen
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines aggressive driving as "an individual committing a combination of moving traffic offenses so as to endanger other persons or property." More specifically, speeding, tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, running red lights, or any combination of these activities generally is considered aggressive driving. Hand gestures, shouting and flashing high beams also fall within the definition of aggressive driving. Aggressive driving differs from the term "road rage" commonly used by the public and the media. Road rage differs from aggressive driving because, as defined by the NHTSA, it is "an assault with a motor vehicle or other dangerous weapon by the operator or passenger(s) of one motor vehicle on the operator or passenger(s) of another motor vehicle or is caused by an incident that occurred on a roadway." NHTSA also points out that "road rage" is a criminal offense. That factor alone can no longer distinguish aggressive driving from road rage however, because a few states have adopted laws that criminalize aggressive driving. Aggressive driving—not only in America, but around the world—has become a problem that lawmakers and law enforcement agencies are attempting to control.
 Download PDF Version
To view PDF files, you must install Adobe Acrobat Reader.
 Transportation Reviews
Visitor counts for this page.
|
