GHSB - Road Respect

The Reading Police Department in collaboration with the Governor's Highway Safety Bureau, will be doing their part to assist in reducing aggressive driving and speeding by conducting a statewide mobilization entitled Road Respect.  This initiative encompasses both state and local police agencies to closely monitor aggressive driving, speeding, red-light running and any other motor vehicle violation with extra patrols.  This initiative will consist of strict enforcement on the part of state and local law enforcement officers to monitor traffic violations and aggressive driving behavior.  This is further accomplished thru paid and earned media, and community education. The 2006 mobilization runs from March 27 to April 17, 2006.  Motorists are urged to drive safely and respectfully.  Please Be advised...Police enforcement will be intensified during this period. 

If a serious incident occurs on the road, contact the nearest police agency by dialing 911, even on a cellular phone. You can also report it to the Registry of Motor Vehicles using a Driver Complaint Form.

Ten tips to reduce aggressive driving:
 

• Obey posted speed limits.   Allow extra travel time for traffic and bad weather.
• Always signal your intentions when turning or changing lanes.
• Come to a full stop at red lights and stop signs.
• Never run yellow lights.
• Let other drivers pass and merge as necessary.
• On multi-lane highways, use the left lane for passing only.
• Avoid distracted driving, especially if using a cell phone.
• Refrain from unnecessary use of your horn.
• Pay attention to the special needs of those who drive trucks and buses, ride motorcycles and bicycles, and pedestrians.
• Wear your safety belt. It’s your best defense against an aggressive or speeding driver.

If confronted by an aggressive driver…
 

• Control your anger to avoid escalating the situation.
• Attempt to safely get out of his or her way.
• Avoid eye contact or obscene gestures.
• If a serious incident occurs, immediately contact the nearest police agency by dialing 911. If using a call phone, pull over at a safe location and dial 911.

For more information on national efforts to reduce aggressive driving:
 

• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s National Aggressive Driving Action Guide has more information on aggressive, distracted, and drowsy driving.
• The Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association has safety tips and additional information related to cellular phones and driving.
• The Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) can help employers educate their workers about the costs and dangers of aggressive driving.