PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION

In the first five months of 1995, Maryland traffic fatalities exceeded 1994 totals by more than 33 percent. After five years of decline, Maryland was heading toward its most tragic year for traffic fatalities. Maryland State Police (MSP) concluded that the cause of these fatal crashes was not just speeding or impaired driving, but also erratic driving behavior that included following too close, driving on the shoulder, weaving from lane to lane, and failing to grant the right-of-way. The MSP termed this set of behaviors "aggressive driving."

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Operation Aggressive Driver aimed to reduce the number of motor vehicle crashes on targeted roadways and to increase voluntary compliance with traffic laws through strict and aggressive enforcement, public information and education.

STRATEGIES AND ACTIVITIES

The kickoff of the Aggressive Driver program coincided with the start of the 1995 Memorial Day holiday weekend. Activities included:

• Saturating target roadways with troopers on enforcement overtime programs
• Utilizing special units such as motorcycles, Crash Team and Strike Force
• Using electronic speed detection such as RADAR, VASCAR, and LIDAR (laser)

Operation Aggressive Driver (cont'd)

• Utilizing non-conventional vehicles such as dump trucks, pick-up trucks, and fixed-wing aircraft for enforcement
• Educating the public about the dangers of driving aggressively and about the enforcement efforts being conducted.

RESULTS

Because of its success, the program, originally designed to run through the summer, was continued through the end of the year. High travel holiday periods were primarily targeted. The results of this effort include the following:

Month	Total Citations	Speed	Alcohol	Safety Belts
May	50,384	26,909	950	7,901
June	42,965	23,057	823	6,182
July	46,742	26,365	981	6,588
August	41,210	22,448	958	5,886

The program is being continued in 1996 as part of a Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP). Troopers are encouraged to "look beyond the stop." Through traffic stops, police have apprehended fugitives and stolen vehicles, and individuals have been arrested for handgun violations and drug possession.