Nevada Joining Forces focuses on aggressive drivers

Courtesy Nevada Highway Patrol

Through January 22, more than two dozen law enforcement agencies statewide will join forces to crack down on drivers exceeding speed limits or driving too fast for road conditions.

Exceeding the speed limit is considered aggressive driving just as weaving in and out of traffic, passing in emergency lanes or along the shoulder and failing to yield to other motorists.  A survey sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicated that the majority of U.S. drivers consider others’ unsafe driving behaviors a threat to the safety of themselves and their families.

Most motorists, however, do not believe speeding is as risky as other behaviors, but according to NHTSA, the consequences of driving too fast include:

• Greater potential for loss of vehicle control
• Reduced effectiveness of occupant protection equipment
• Increased stopping distance when the driver perceives a danger
• Increased degree of crash severity leading to more debilitating injuries
• Unexpected economic and psychological implications of a speed-related crash

“The Nevada Highway Patrol is seeing an increase in aggressive and reckless driving, said NHP public information officer Matt McLaughlin. “Poor driving behaviors can not only lead to a citation, it also puts yourself and other motorists in danger. Leave yourself plenty of time and distance when you travel. Slow down to a speed that is safe for the road conditions. Drive Safe, Nevada.”

Funding for the extra patrols is made possible by Joining Forces. Joining Forces is a multi-jurisdictional law enforcement program funded by the Office of Traffic Safety, Department of Public Safety. The goal of this program is to save lives by increasing public awareness about the dangers of making poor choices while driving.