NCJ Number
207679
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 71 Issue: 9 Dated: September 2004 Pages: 45-48
Editor(s)
Charles E. Higginbothem
Date Published
September 2004
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article discusses enforcement strategies undertaken by the Washington State Patrol in partnership with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) focusing on aggressive driving.
Abstract
Under the sponsorship of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), research studies have shown that driving behavior and human factors account for more than 90 percent of all accidents/collisions. Throughout the State, the Washington State Patrol (WSP) has been aggressively enforcing the areas of driving under the influence (DUI), speeding, aggressive driving, and seat belt laws. In 1998, the WSP, through a partnership with the NHTSA, began its emphasis on aggressive driving enforcement. A pilot project was introduced with the purchase of two unmarked patrol cars with their only task to identify aggressive drivers and take appropriate enforcement action. Today, the pilot project now known as WSP’s Aggressive Driving Apprehension Teams (ADAT) program has 33 unmarked vehicles throughout the State. In addition to unmarked vehicles, other essential components in the fight against aggressive driving include: training enforcement personnel, properly equipping the ADAT cars, and educating the public. The ADAT vehicles are equipped with the latest technology in documenting evidence through digital video cameras, dual direction moving radar, and laser radar. In addition, the ADAT program has an educational component designed to work in partnership with media organizations. The WSP has documented success in reducing incidents of aggressive driving, as well as collisions.