Speed and Aggressive Driving

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines aggressive driving as, "when individuals commit a combination of moving traffic offenses so as to endanger other persons or property."  Aggressive driving occurs when a driver has committed two or more of the following actions: speeding, failure to yield to right-of-way, improper or unsafe lane changes, improper passing, following too closely or the failure to obey traffic control devices (stop signs, yield signs, traffic signals, railroad grade cross signals, etc.).

Aggressive Driving

Aggressive Driving is one of eight emphasis areas listed in Florida's 2021 Strategic Highway Safety Plan, (SHSP).  To combat aggressive driving, our efforts focus on:

• Enforcing speeding and aggressive driving laws by focusing on high-risk locations.

• Incorporating technology and other innovations at high-risk locations.

• Evaluating hot spots and implement appropriate engineering countermeasures to control speed and reduce aggressive driving behaviors.   

Police running speed radar with two cars passing

Speed Control

Speed Control involves a balanced program effort that includes: defining the relationship between speed, speeding, and safety; applying road and engineering measures to obtain appropriate speeds; setting speed limits that are safe and reasonable; applying enforcement efforts and appropriate technology that effectively address speeders and deter speeding; marketing communication and educational messages that focus on high-risk drivers; and soliciting the cooperation, support, and leadership of traffic safety stakeholders.

Image of social media press release with picture of mounted police radar

Subgrant Funding

Programs receiving subgrant funding in this priority area are focused on three major program-related categories:

• Problem Identification: Data collection and analysis to identify and develop countermeasures and awareness initiatives that lead to appropriate modifications in driver behavior.

• Communication Program: Communication programs to ensure motorist acceptance and to enhance compliance with the introduction of revised speed limits and strict enforcement operations.

• Enforcement Countermeasures: Enforcement to strategically address speeders, locations, and conditions most common or most hazardous in speeding-related crashes.

Items eligible for funding under this category may include speed measuring devices, radar display trailers, and equipment directly related to assisting in making traffic stops. The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) assisted NHTSA with developing a Conforming Product List (CPL) to which speed measurement devices strived to be on. The CPL became the basis for funding to agencies desiring to purchase speed measurement equipment. If the product was on the list, NHTSA funds could be used to purchase it. Florida has a similar list within the Administrative Code. FHP tests equipment and lists approved devices in 15B-2.013. Agencies can use this list: https://www.flrules.org/gateway/ruleno.asp?id=15B-2.013 to purchase their approved equipment for their project.

All program areas funded with subgrant funds are required to have an evaluation method that will allow assessment of the funded program's level of success in reducing fatalities and injuries. For more information, see our Grants page.