LA PLATA, Md. (June 22, 2010)—Attention Drivers: Do you drive to fast? Do you weave in traffic or make unsafe lane changes? Do you like to tailgate other vehicles? If so, then the Charles County Sheriff’s Office has just what you need — a citation.
The Sheriff’s Office will target aggressive driving as part of the 2010 Smooth Operator campaign, which encourages calmer, safer driving in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and the District of Columbia. According to its website, www.smoothoperatorprogram.com, Smooth Operator was founded in 1997 when 18 law enforcement agencies coordinated efforts to discourage aggressive driving in the greater D.C. area. Since that year, nearly 2 million citations have been issued to aggressive drivers.
“Aggressive driving is bold, pushy and selfish,” said Sheriff Rex Coffey. “When you stop respecting the rights and safety of other drivers and pedestrians, you become a danger on the roadway. This campaign will help penalize those drivers for their actions and educate drivers about how to safely and politely navigate our roadways. Remember, you are not the only driver on the road and you are not the only person with someplace to go.”
In addition to discouraging aggressive driving, the campaign also helps reduce crashes, injuries and traffic fatalities. To report an aggressive driver, call the Sheriff’s Office at 301-932-2222. Be sure to provide a detailed description of the vehicle including make, model, color, direction of travel and tag number.
The program ends June 30.