Patrols Target Rude Drivers Here, In Miami

Published: Jul 17, 2007

TALLAHASSEE - The state highway patrol is cracking down on rude and aggressive drivers who make it risky for everyone else, starting in the Miami and Tampa areas.

"This issue has gotten so bad, not only in the state of Florida but nationwide," said Col. Chris Knight, who on Monday released the results of the patrol's first unannounced enforcement in Miami-Dade and Hillsborough counties, the two Florida areas ranked among the nation's 25 worst for aggressive drivers in a survey by AutoVantage car club.

After growing complaints about drivers who run red lights, brake suddenly or cut off others while changing lanes, the patrol began an unannounced crackdown using unmarked cars last week that resulted in 974 arrests or citations.

The patrol doesn't plan to announce when and where it will zero in on specific areas.

"Being unannounced, it will be in the back of people's mind if they're going to participate in that type of driving," Knight warned.

And with more people on cell phones while driving, the problem has escalated.

Miami ranked as the worst area nationally for aggressive drivers, while the Tampa area ranked 16th.

The Associated Press