Hot Summer Flick Negatively Influences Area Drivers
Aggressive Drivers Beware: Law Enforcement Crackdown June 22-28 Two of Three Highway Fatalities Stem from Aggressive Driving - Three Deaths a Day in VA-MD-DC WHY: 2 Fast 2 Furious, last week's top-grossing movie, is like a videogame. But in real life, when fast and furious drivers hit the highway -- sometimes literally -- there is no rewind or reset button. Unfortunately, too many area drivers fail to consider the potentially catastrophic consequences of speeding, tailgating, unsafe lane changes, and running red lights and stop signs. These aggressive driving behaviors cause increased car crashes, injuries and fatalities in DC, Maryland and Virginia. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that two-thirds of highway deaths last year were related to aggressive driving behaviors. Applied to the three-jurisdiction territory of DC, Maryland and Virginia, approximately three deaths a day stem from aggressive driving behaviors. WHAT: More than 50 state and local law enforcement agencies are cracking down on aggressive driving in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia as part of the Smooth Operator campaign this weekend. Police agencies are using traditional and unconventional tactics to stop aggressive driving in its tracks, from highly visible enforcement in standard police cruisers to under-cover, high-performance Chevy Camaros to cutting-edge technologies. WHEN: Today and throughout the second wave of stepped-up law enforcement: June 22 through June 28 STORY ANGLES: One-on-one interviews and individual ride-alongs may be arranged with the following: * Psychology of Aggressive Driving -- Dr. Steven Stosny, a prominent psychologist specializing in anger management issues, has developed a proven-successful intervention program for aggressive drivers. This 6-hour course helps aggressive drivers build a conditioned response to regulate aggressive impulses, thereby heading off aggressive driving behaviors before they start. Stosny is available to discuss the psychology of aggressive drivers. * Police Prevention -- Officers from scores of regional law enforcement agencies are targeting aggressive driving with stepped up monitoring and ticketing. Ride-alongs are available in: * High performance, unmarked police Chevy Camaros; * A one-of-its-kind van equipped specifically to target aggressive driving; and * Traditional squad cars. * Coping with Consequences -- Physicians with Inova Fairfax Hospital and University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore are often called upon to attend to victims of aggressive driving crashes. DON'T BE LEFT IN THE DUST: RIDE-ALONGS WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT AVAILABLE
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PRNewswire -- June 19