Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is asking drivers to show a little TACT while driving this month. The Ticketing Aggressive Cars and Trucks, or TACT, initiative is a statewide safety campaign that will run through October 20, 2016. The goal of the campaign is to reduce the number of fatal accidents caused by aggressive driving.

How bad is aggressive driving in Florida?

In 2015, the statewide count for fatal crashes involving a large truck increased by almost 20 percent. Fatal crashes caused by speeding also increased that year from 245 in 2014 to 320 in 2015.

Both truck drivers and passenger vehicle drivers’ errors are a factor in 88 percent of the fatal truck crashes in Florida, reports the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. After reviewing the fatality reports for 2015, officials noticed that a significant amount of these crashes between cars and tractor-trailers were due to aggressive driving behaviors.

What should I do during the TACT campaign?

More FHP troopers will be on the lookout for aggressive or reckless drivers. To stay safe on our roads, make sure you know what aggressive driving is and watch your habits to make sure you are not engaging in these behaviors.

Florida is one of the few states that have a law defining aggressive driving. Florida’s law states aggressive, careless driving includes two or more of the following behaviors:

• Speeding
• Unsafely or improperly changing lanes
• Following another vehicle too closely (tailgating)
• Failing to yield the right-of-way when necessary
• Improperly passing another vehicle
• Violating traffic control and signal devices

How can I stay safe around aggressive drivers?

FHP officials have identified that tractor-trailer drivers are just as apt to commit acts of aggressive driving as passenger vehicles. Therefore, you should learn the limitations of a tractor-trailer’s blind spots and always give them extra room when turning or changing lanes.

Remember that tractor-trailers cannot stop as quickly as your vehicle. If you change into a lane with a tractor-trailer behind you, make sure you are placing ample distance between your vehicle and the cab of the truck.

FHP officers also warn drivers to watch their speed at all times, as speed is a major factor in the cause of many fatal crashes. Remember the faster you are traveling, the longer it takes to stop and the harder the impact will be if you hit another vehicle or fixed object.

What should I do if an aggressive driver hits me?

Before you start talking to the insurance companies, talk to a Fort Lauderdale car accident attorney. An attorney can help you estimate your losses and negotiate a settlement that covers the full extent of your damages.

The Coffey McPharlin attorneys are here to help Fort Lauderdale drivers recover damages from other negligent drivers. No matter what caused your crash, call us at 954-541-3194 to discuss your options during a free consultation.