CHP targets aggressive driving on local highways
Operation results in citations, warnings, and ongoing investigations
– The California Highway Patrol Templeton office, in coordination with the California Highway Patrol Coastal Division Investigative Services Unit, recently conducted a proactive enforcement detail to address aggressive driving in San Luis Obispo County.
Officers positioned themselves along major sections of U.S. Route 101 and State Route 46. These areas were selected based on data indicating a high frequency of aggressive driving incidents. Officers actively monitored the corridors for unsafe behavior and issued multiple citations and warnings during the operation. One investigation identified a potential aggressive driving case that resulted in a multi-vehicle crash.
Aggressive driving includes actions such as tailgating, deliberately cutting off other drivers, and blocking other vehicles from merging or changing lanes. In more extreme instances, aggressive driving may escalate into road rage, which can involve yelling, insults, threats, throwing objects, and physical acts like ramming or sideswiping other vehicles.
The California Highway Patrol emphasized that drivers can reduce the risk of road conflict by remaining calm and courteous. Drivers are encouraged to maintain safe following distances, use turn signals, allow others to merge, use high beams responsibly, and avoid gestures or long horn blasts. In parking lots, drivers should park within the lines and take care not to hit neighboring vehicles.
If another driver becomes aggressive, the California Highway Patrol advises avoiding eye contact, not responding with aggression, maintaining distance, and recording the incident if safe to do so. If followed by an aggressive driver, individuals should avoid going home and instead drive to a police station. Anyone feeling threatened is urged to call 9-1-1 and be ready to report the vehicle description, license plate, location, and direction of travel.
The California Highway Patrol notes that road rage can result in a driver’s license suspension of up to six months and may lead to misdemeanor or felony charges. The agency encourages the public to report aggressive driving behavior by calling 9-1-1.
