Aggressive Driving

Thesis: Aggressive driving has become very real and very deadly in many areas of North Texas. (replace with your area)

I. Aggressive driving

A. Types

B. Causes

II. Foundation For Traffic Safety Study

A. Injuries and Deaths

B. Weapons

III. Distractions

A. Home away from home

B. Alcohol

title:Aggressive Driving in North Texas

(replace with your area or town on title and throughout essay)

Drivers know it when they see it. Cars racing down a crowded road, darting in and out of lanes, tailgating, and drivers yelling and gesturing at others are all behaviors that are recognized as aggressive driving. The dangerous driving conditions in north Texas has steadily risen these

past few years. In some instances the driving behavior in this area escalates into assault with the vehicle itself or with a weapon, increasing the severity of the event from a traffic incident to a criminal offense. North Texas drivers are becoming more and more fearful of the threat of violence on the highways and evidence indicates these incidents are occurring more and more often as time goes on. Growing concerns about these drivers and the hazards they create on the roads have lead to numerous safety precautions and laws to govern the problem at hand. The hostile driving conditions in the area it is a problem that needs to be addressed with enforcement techniques such as photo radar and red light cameras to reduce some types of

violations that are often occurring in North Texas.

Aggressive driving in this area includes a whole range of driving behaviors that might include speeding, tailgating, weaving and running red lights or any combination of these

activities. Gesturing, yelling and flashing high beams are other actions often mentioned in any description of aggressive driving. Stated reasons for violent traffic disputes included arguments over parking spaces, cutting off other drivers, minor collisions, obscene gestures, loud music, slow driving, tailgating and similar behaviors. The disputes, however, are rarely the result of one event, but an accumulation of stressors that add up to the last straw.

According to the North Texas Foundation for Traffic Safety study, incidents of aggressive driving have increased by 7 percent every year since 1990. A total of 12,610 people were injured and 218 killed as the result of aggressive driving incidents. Many of the incidents described in

the survey involved weapons. In approximately 44 percent of the violent altercations the perpetrator used a firearm, knife, club or tire iron. In 23 percent of the cases, the attacker used the car as a weapon. Texas and especially North Texas is aware that at least 24 states that have

established law enforcement programs that specifically target aggressive driving and is interested in taking similar actions.

Distractions from driving is a major cause of roadway crashes. Motorists are often seen eating, drinking, even shaving as they drive. Some drivers make their automobiles a home away from home, with fax machines and laptop computers. Alcohol remains the leading factor contributing to dangerous driving. This year, at least 18 accidents have resulted from people driving under the influence and 47 persons were arrested for driving drunk. In addition to its role as a high risk factor for causing motor vehicle accidents, alcohol intoxication increases the risk of death or serious injury during or after an accident, and it can limit the ability of the a person to escape from the vehicle after an accident.

We have all seen aggressive drivers who carelessly express frustration. Drivers climb into the anonymity of an automobile and take out their frustrations on anybody at any time. Their emotions are high and the concern for fellow motorists is low. Aggressive driving has become very real and very deadly in many areas of North Texas. Safety groups and law enforcement groups have developed programs to target the problem, and legislators have introduced a flurry of bills to combat aggressive drivers and two of those have now become law.