In the spring of 2000, following a 10 percent rise of collisions, the Lubbock Police Department decided to take action against aggressive driving. After examining local data and researching National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) studies and law enforcement agency initiatives, the Lubbock Police Department initiated a pilot program on aggressive driving enforcement.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

The goals of the Aggressive Driving Task Force were to:

• Stop the rise in traffic crashes and associated injuries and fatalities;

• Reduce crashes related to aggressive driving, particularly red light running, unsafe lane changes, tail-gating, and speeding; and

• Combine “specialized vehicle” enforcement activities with increased public awareness and highly visible campaign branding.

STRATEGIES AND ACTIVITIES

The enforcement program was developed in close communications with the Municipal Judge to identify multiple violations with a special “aggressive driving” stamp on the citation. Research from NHTSA also indicated that a strong public awareness campaign would increase overall effectiveness. Working with the Lubbock Citizens Traffic Commission and the Lubbock City Council, an “Aggressive Driving” Task Force was recruited to conduct the public awareness campaign.

This program includes using non-traditional vehicles (vans, older model cars, non-police styles) equipped with tinted glass, radar, video, and police radio. Special enforcement teams worked overtime at selected locations during targeted times of the day. The team includes the officer driving the unmarked car and one or more officers in regular patrol cars. The unmarked vehicle radios the back-up vehicles after following and videotaping the aggressive driver. Then, the regular patrol units issue the citations. If the violators choose deferred adjudication, the judge typically increases the length of deferral by several months. The success of the pilot enforcement program led to a permanent program that started in December 2000.

The Aggressive Driving Task Force members of law enforcement, local traffic agencies, business, the local Safe Communities organization, the Citizens Traffic Commission, news media, and private concerned citizens. The Task Force implemented the following strategies and activities to support enforcement efforts:

• Developed a special campaign logo – “H.A.D. ENOUGH -- Halt Aggressive Driving.” Initiated a public involvement campaign with a press conference and special “H.A.D. Enough Day” proclamation by the City Council.

• Developed a variety of television public service announcements (PSAs), radio spots, and billboards featuring local law enforcement, Emergency Medical Service (EMS), media, victim’s family, sports figures, and teens. The target audience was drivers under 30, but media spots included all age groups.

• Developed an educational program for local high schools that utilizes both school police and local police in health classes.

• Involved the business community (Chamber of Commerce), Texas Tech University, school systems, medical community, and community organizations to help communicate the need to stop aggressive driving habits.

• Sponsored a regional conference on reducing aggressive driving.

RESULTS

• The overall awareness of H.A.D. ENOUGH (Halt Aggressive Driving) is significant and is reflected in the ten percent decrease in total crashes through June 2002.

• Fatalities have continued to rise versus 2001, but there were less the first six months of 2000. The LISD Police Department continues to develop pilot programs and additional safety messages.

• Through a State Farm Insurance grant, a local one-day H.A.D. Conference brought professionals and student leaders together to review progress and recommend improvements.