Drivers


Traffic can be a problem in every city and often varies from day to day depending upon collisions, construction, events, or amount of travelers. The RPD Traffic Unit tracks the location and specifics of every traffic collision to help dictate where enforcement and resources are needed. We also utilize feedback from citizens if they see reoccurring problems. If you have serious concerns, please report it using the online reporting system. Do not use this method to report a collision, hit-and-run incident, or crime.

vehicle collision


Road Rage & Aggressive Driving

Road rage is "an assault with a motor vehicle or other dangerous weapon by the operator or passenger(s) of a motor vehicle, or the operator or passenger(s) of another motor vehicle or vehicles precipitated by an incident, which occurred on a roadway."

Aggressive driving is "the commission of two or more moving violations that is likely to endanger other persons or property or any single intentional violation that requires a defensive reaction of another driver." Aggressive drivers generally give the impression that they are in a hurry and others are in the way.

Signs of Road Rage or Aggressive Driving

  • Mentally condemning or thought of violence toward other drivers.
  • Verbally expressing condemnation of other drivers to the passengers in their vehicle.
  • Not obeying traffic safety rules because the rules don't apply to them.
  • Aggressive drivers engage in:
    - Following too closely
    - Speeding
    - Weaving in and out of traffic
    - Speeding up to beat a traffic light
    - Cutting between vehicles to change lanes
    - Using the horn excessively
    - Excessively flashing headlights at oncoming traffic
    - Braking to get others to back off their bumper
    - Passing traffic and then slowing to "teach others a lesson"

Avoiding Road Rage

  • When entering traffic or changing lanes, make sure you have enough room.
  • Don't make aggressive hand gestures to other drivers when they offend you with their driving.
  • Signal when turning or changing lanes. Control your anger; remember it takes two to start a fight.
  • Avoid prolonged eye contact with bad or angry drivers. Anticipate the angry driver may have a weapon.
  • Get help. Call police on your cell phone or go to a public location.  Don't pull to the side of the road if you are being followed.
  • Forget about winning. Nobody wins in a highway crash.
  • Allow more time for your trip. Make it relaxing, not hurried.
  • Put yourself in the other driver's shoes. They may be driving that way because of an actual emergency.

Reporting Road Rage or Aggressive Driving

Call 911 and provide the following information:

  • Location and time that you last saw the vehicle
  • The direction of travel
  • What road or highway
  • Description of the vehicle license plate, color, and make
  • Description of driver and passengers.
  • Were weapons involved?
  • What happened?
  • Are you a victim or a witness?