Florida’s Campaign to Stop Aggressive Truck Drivers
Aggressive and Negligent Truck Drivers Cause Accidents
The Florida Highway Patrol’s (FHP) commercial vehicle enforcement troopers are beginning another phase of Ticketing Aggressive Cars and Trucks (TACT), a safety campaign focused on the dangers of aggressive driving and aimed at reducing accidents involving large trucks and commercial motor vehicles. The TACT campaign is intended for law enforcement to focus on car and truck drivers who display aggressive driving behavior, such as speeding, unsafe lane changes, and following too closely.
Recognize & Report Aggressive and Unsafe Driving
In Tampa, there seems to be endless road construction, heavier traffic and congestion, poor road conditions, and an increased number of frustrated drivers. Aggressive driving has certainly become an issue on our roads in Florida, as well as the roadways all over the country. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines aggressive driving as the commission of “a combination of moving traffic offenses so as to endanger other persons or property.” Thus, aggressive driving typically involves a series of moving or traffic violations that suggest the driver is behaving recklessly and maybe even intentionally. Certain types of driving behavior that often correlate to aggressive driving, include: excessive speeding, following too closely, obscene gesturing, repetitive braking, and threatening behavior.
It is important to recognize aggressive drivers on the road and to keep your distance and to avoid them, if possible. If an aggressive driver is behind you, change lanes or pull over and allow the driver to pass. Attempting to take action into your own hands can make a situation worse. Instead, call 911, report the driver (any any identifying information), and allow authorities to handle the driver. Many commercial vehicles have a “How’s my driving?” sticker on the back with a phone number to call and report reckless driving. If you are able to safety determine the contact information, contact the trucking company to report the driver once you arrive safety at your destination.
Tractor Trailer Truck Accident Attorney in Tampa
Many truck or tractor trailer accidents are caused by the aggressive or unsafe driving of the truck driver. Truck drivers are often tired, overworked, and under pressure to meet driving and time deadlines; thus, it is not unusual for truck drivers to speed, ignore blind spots, take wide turns, fail to utilize signals, perform unsafe lane changes, etc. Unfortunately, when a truck driver drives aggressively, violates traffic rules and regulations, and causes an accident, the innocent driver or passengers of the other vehicle often sustain serious bodily injuries.
If you have been involved in a truck accident or commercial vehicle accident in Tampa, call the personal injury lawyers at the Capaz Law Firm for a truck accident consultation.
Capaz Law Firm: Tampa Truck Accident Attorneys
If the negligent actions and aggressive driving of a tractor trailer truck driver have caused you or someone you know to be involved in an accident with a commercial vehicle, the tractor trailer truck accident lawyers at the Capaz Law Firm in Tampa can help investigate the crash scene, gather and preserve the necessary evidence, interview potential witnesses, and retain any necessary accident specialists to assist with establishing negligence and liability. Contact an experienced Tampa truck accident attorney today.