Ticketing Aggressive Cars and Trucks in Florida
The Florida Highway Patrol is conducting an additional wave of TACT
Florida, USA – On June 17th the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) began another enforcement period dedicated to the TACT (Ticketing Aggressive Cars and Trucks) campaign and it will run through June 30. The purpose of this campaign is to highlight the danger of aggressive driving behaviours.
FHP is committed to reducing the number of commercial vehicle-related crashes on Florida roadways,” said Colonel Gene Spaulding, Director of the Florida Highway Patrol. “We can reduce crashes if we all share the roads safely, avoid aggressive driving behaviors and exercise additional caution when driving near larger vehicles.
According to Florida Highway Patrol, in 2015, during the TACT campaign, law enforcement issued 138,547 citations statewide related to aggressive driving behaviours. In 2016, the first TACT campaign (March 11 to March 24) resulted in 22,977 citations. And there are two more TACT waves this year.
Considering the disadvantage motorists are at if they get involved in a crash with a large commercial vehicle, that can be as large as 80 feet and weighing up to 20 tons, we can easily see the importance of these campaigns. By the way, did you know that compared to a smaller vehicle, because of the large size, a large commercial vehicle takes 40% longer to come to a stop?
It is crucial for motorists to learn how to protect themselves and their passengers. Florida Highway Patrol offered us the following tips for driving around large trucks:
- Stay out of the No Zone: Be aware that large trucks have large blind spots (also known as “No Zones”).
- Pass trucks with caution: Pass on the left side for maximum visibility and maintain a constant speed.
- Do not cut trucks off: Be sure to leave plenty of room when you pull in front of a truck. Large trucks simply can’t stop as quickly as cars.
- Practice patience around larger vehicles that are not traveling at the same speed as your vehicle.
- Don’t drive distracted: Anything that takes your full attention off of the road, even for a second, could be deadly. This includes texting, changing the radio station, talking to passengers, and much more.
- Dial *FHP (*347) if you witness aggressive or dangerous driving.
If you wish to learn more about TACT, about Florida Highway Patrol’s Commercial Motor Vehicle Enforcement and No Zones, please visit:
http://www.flhsmv.gov/florida-highway-patrol/about-fhp/
