7/19/05-A bill in the House Transportation Committee would define aggressive driving.
HB1041, sponsored by Rep. Anthony Melio, D-Levittown, is intended to allow police to target and prevent road rage.
It would create the specific offense of aggressive driving. The effort targets any driver who intentionally harasses, threatens or frightens another driver by tailgating speeding, passing illegally, or otherwise driving recklessly.
Currently, police can only charge someone accused of road rage with reckless or careless driving.
Under the legislation, anyone found driving aggressively could lose their driver’s license for 30 days. Repeat offenders would face a one-year license suspension if the second conviction occurred within two years of the first. Aggressive driving that resulted in serious injury to another would carry at least 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
For bill status, call (717) 787-2342.