(File Photo)

Pittsburgh, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and several local police departments hosted a media event to remind motorists of the dangers that result from aggressive behavior behind the wheel.

PennDOT partnered with police departments from Avalon, Bellevue, Edgeworth, Leetsdale, and Sewickley boroughs, and Ohio Township to conduct an aggressive driving blitz along Route 65 (Ohio River Boulevard). These and other enforcement activities are part of a statewide wave which runs through August 17.

Aggressive driving is one of the leading factors of highway crashes and fatalities in Pennsylvania. During the enforcement period, police will target drivers demonstrating unsafe behaviors such as speeding, careless driving, heavy truck violations, pedestrian safety, red light running, tailgating, and other aggressive driving actions.

This mobilization also comes in time for motorists to prepare for the upcoming school year. By practicing safe behaviors now, drivers can get into the habit of being particularly cautious in residential areas and school zones.

According to PennDOT data, in 2023 there were 5,897 crashes involving aggressive driving statewide. Also last year, there were 3,530 crashes involving speeding, which is the top offense law enforcement sees in aggressive driving citations.

For more information on aggressive driving, visit www.PennDOT.pa.gov/safety.

PennDOT’s media resources web page offers social media-sized graphics for numerous transportation-related campaigns, including safety topics such as aggressive driving, speeding, distracted driving, and seat belts for organizations, community groups, or others who share safety information with their stakeholders.

For regional updates, follow PennDOT on X and join the Greater Pittsburgh Area PennDOT Facebook group.