Florida implemented their “Ticketing Aggressive Cars and Trucks” campaign in an attempt to decrease crashes involving commercial motor vehicles. The fatalities and injuries that result from these collisions can be reduced with education, outreach and evaluation that targets enforcement activities that raise drivers’ awareness of safer driving behaviors.
Statistics show that when big rigs are involved in fatal collisions, 88 percent of these accidents can be attributed to driving errors committed by both passenger car drivers and truckers. A slim 12 percent of these collisions are caused by bad weather, road conditions or vehicle defects.
Florida state troopers are targeting aggressive driving behaviors like:
- Unsafe lane change
- Following too closely
- Speeding
Troopers are carefully monitoring the interactions between truckers and drivers of passenger cars on Florida highways. This campaign also uses radio messages and billboards to spread awareness of the importance of driving safely, as well as the increased risk of being ticketed for violations.
The Florida Highway Patrol is conducting safety activities, in conjunction with the Florida Trucking Association, at community centers and schools all over the state. It is hoped this campaign will teach drivers ways to safely share the road with the big rig commercial drivers.
Below are some tips:
- As trucks have much larger blind spots, motorists should avoid these “No Zones” at all times.
- Never cut off a truck, as it requires a much greater distance to stop than cars do.
- Stay safely behind trucks on the highway. Riding right up on their bumper keeps drivers from being able to glimpse any hazards ahead.
- Switch lanes only if you are able to see both truck headlights in the rearview mirror.
While certainly trucks commit safety errors, all drivers are responsible for being as safe as possible. Wrecks can end lives, or change them drastically, forcing injured parties to file claims for damages.
Source: Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, “Ticketing Aggressive Cars and Trucks,” accessed Oct. 28, 2015
