Police Crack Down on Aggressive Drivers

Police and state officials said one thing is clear: Distracted driving is aggressive driving.

So, the state Department of Transportation and myriad local police departments today announced the second wave of aggressive driving enforcement— one that began Monday and will continue through Aug. 28.

North Strabane, Cecil and Peters township police departments are among 300 in the state participating in the program, which will concentrate on those roadways known for speeding, tailgating and other forms of aggressive driving.

PennDOT spokesman Jay Ofsanik said that so far this year, the program has yielded 610,000 tickets—28,000 for speeding, 8,600 for disobedient driving, as well as 683 driving under the influence arrests and 50 felony arrests.

He said he hoped the extra patrols would help stave off the "epidemic" of aggressive and distracted driving.

Dave Richards, of the North Strabane Police Department, lauded the program, adding that the township also will be looking to increase awareness of seatbelt use—especially since the community has seen three unrestrained driving fatalities this year alone.

"Enforcement does make a difference," he said. "Hopefully we will lower the fatalities out there."

Washington County Coroner Tim Warco agreed, saying a program that can help save "even one life is worth its weight in gold."

This story originally appeared on Canon-Mac Patch