Three local police departments participating in aggressive driving crackdown

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March 19th, 2024 | By Ryan Genova

Update: We have been informed that the Cheltenham Township Police Department is participating in the campaign as well. The original version of this article mentioned Abington and Jenkintown police only.

The Abington Township, Cheltenham Township and Jenkintown Borough police departments are joining with more than 300 municipal law enforcement agencies across the state in a crackdown effort on aggressive driving.

According to a statement from police officials, the initiative began Monday, March 18 and will continue through April 28.

During this time, police will enhance enforcement for high-risk behaviors such as distracted driving, speeding, and lack of work zone awareness, as well as drivers who engage in aggressive driving behaviors like tailgating, sudden stopping, careless passing, running red lights and other behaviors.

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. PennDOT announced that the campaign involves more than 80 municipal police departments in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties.

Law enforcement officials said the crackdown comes after some 7,248 crashes resulted in 119 fatalities and 510 series injuries, each of which were connected to aggressive driving in Pennsylvania in 2022.

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. 

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. 

For more information on aggressive driving, you can visit PennDOT.pa.gov/Safety.

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