Aggressive Driving and Safety Campaigns

Aggressive driving is a growing concern in the United States. Often such driving results in crashes that harm both drivers and others. In NCHRP Report 500, “aggressive driving” is defined as “operating a motor vehicle in a selfish, pushy, or impatient manner, often unsafely, that directly affects other drivers.” In other words, aggressive driving includes many unsafe driving behaviors by ordinary drivers. Most previous safety campaigns have used enforcement interventions as the primary means of reducing aggressive driving. Enforcement clearly plays a crucial role in reducing aggressive driving. Limited efforts have been made, however, to enhance awareness of aggressive driving by providing proper education to the public. The Better Driver Campaign plan was developed and executed to address aggressive driving in Florida. The campaign was geared toward promoting awareness of aggressive driving. The education-oriented safety campaign was effective in addressing aggressive driving and was appreciated by the public.