Aggressive Driving: Appendix 3

Profiles of State and Local Agency Implementation Efforts: Strategy 4.1 A1 (Washington State Patrol)

Emphasis Area
4.1-Reducing Accidents Involving Aggressive Driving

Objective
4.1 A-Deter Aggressive Driving in Specific Populations, Including those with a History of Such Behavior, and at Specific Locations

Strategy
4.1 A1-Target Enforcement

Agency and Jurisdiction
Washington State Patrol (WSP)

Problem(s) Identified
WSP and Washington State Traffic Commission identified specific driving traits that were considered to be aggressive. The WSP has established an Aggressive Driver Apprehension Team (ADAT) consisting of unmarked police cars staffed by officers whose job is to detect drivers meeting specific aggressive-driving criteria and ticket those drivers. WSP primarily patrols the limited-access roadways in the Seattle-Tacoma area and state highways elsewhere. This is a statewide program.

Goals and Objectives Established
Specific and general deterrence of aggressive driving and the resulting crashes.

Description of Strategy Implemented
The patrol operates nontraditional police cars, such as SUVs, that are equipped with radios, emergency lighting, and video cameras. The officers cruise the roadways looking for drivers whose driving meets the criteria of excessive speed, multiple lane changes, tailgating, and other behavior that affects other motorists. The officers record the behavior on videotape, stop the motorists, and cite them for negligent driving. In addition, these officers prepare a case to support the charge, which is a more serious one than speeding, failure to yield, etc.

Summary of Implementation Effort (Lessons Learned)
This program operates statewide. With the appointment of a new chief, the WSP has brought the statewide program under one directing officer in the Field Operations Bureau.. They did this to bring about greater consistency in operation and to provide for evaluation. They also produced a professional-looking videotape about aggressive driving.

Summary of the Results
As of mid-2002, the officers have been operating the patrol for more than 1 year. Because these officers are specifically assigned to this patrol, they are not generally available for other WSP work, except in emergencies. The WSP has had an excellent record obtaining convictions. There remains a need to document the link between the enforcement program and reduction in aggressive behavior and related crashes. WSP is using the number of citizens' complaints about aggressive driving as a surrogate performance measure.

Contact Person and Information
Washington State Patrol, Field Operations Bureau, Jeremy Beckley, jbeckle@wsp.wa.gov.