PRESS RELEASE

 

For Immediate Release: March 19, 2008                                  Contact: Lt. James MacIsaac

 

 

Belmont Police Support Governor’s Highway Safety Bureau

 

To reduce aggressive driving and distracted driving, The Executive Office of Public Safety and Security’s Highway Safety Division (EOPSS-HSD) annually conducts with state and local police a statewide Road Respect Mobilization.  Using federal highway safety funds, this initiative coordinates extra state and local traffic enforcement.

 

The 2008 Road respect Mobilization will be conducted March 26 to April 16, 2008.

 

            Ten Tips to reduce aggressive driving:

1.     Obey posted speed laws. Allow extra travel time for traffic and bad weather

2.     Always Signal your intentions when turning or changing lanes

3.     Come to a full stop at red lights and stop signs.

4.     Never run yellow lights

5.     Let other drivers pass and merge as necessary.

6.     On multi lane highways, use the left lane for passing only

7.     Use care when talking on a cell phone while driving or engaging in other distracting actions (changing radio station, etc.) Ideally pull over at a safe location to make a cell phone call.

8.     Refrain from unnecessary use of your horn.

9.     Pay attention to the special needs of those who drive trucks and busses, ride motorcycles and bicycles and pedestrians.

10.   Wear your safety belt. It’s your best defense against an aggressive or distracted driver.

            If confronted by an aggressive or distracted driver…

• Control your emotions to avoid escalating the situation.
• Attempt to safely get out of his or her way.
• Avoid eye contact or obscene gestures.
• If a serious incident occurs, immediately contact the nearest police agency by dialing 911. If using a cell phone, pull over to a safe location and dial 911.