Road Respect

To reduce aggressive and distracted driving, the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security's Highway Safety Division (EOPSS-HSD) annually conducts with state and local police a statewide Road Respect Mobilization.  Using federal highway safety funds, this initiative coordinates extra state and local traffic enforcement, paid and earned media, and community education. 

Read the full-text press release kicking off the 2008 Road Respect Mobilization 

Road Respect Mobilization Reporting Forms:

• Road Respect Expenditure Reporting Form 
• Road Respect Activity Reporting Form 
• Road Respect In-Kind Reporting Form 
• Road Respect Sample Press Release 

If a serious incident occurs on the road, safely contact the nearest police agency by dialing 911, even on a cellular phone. You can also report it to the Registry of Motor Vehicles using a Driver Complaint Form.

Road Respect Media

Radio Ad #1 |  Read Transcript 
Radio Ad #2 |  Read Transcript 
Radio Ad #3 (in Spanish) |  Read Transcript  (in Spanish)
Radio Ad #4 (in Spanish) |  Read Transcript  (in Spanish)

Ten tips to reduce aggressive and distracted driving:

• Obey posted speed limits.   Allow extra travel time for traffic and bad weather.
• Always signal your intentions when turning or changing lanes. Avoid weaving in and out of lanes.
• Never run yellow lights. Come to a full stop at red lights and stop signs. Don't block intersections. 
• Don't tailgate.
• Let other drivers pass and merge as necessary.
• On multi-lane highways use the left lane for passing only.
• Avoid distracted driving, especially if using a cell phone.
• Refrain from unnecessary use of your horn.
• Pay attention to the special needs of those who drive trucks and buses, ride motorcycles and bicycles, and pedestrians.
• Wear your safety belt. It’s your best defense against an aggressive, distracted, or speeding driver.

If you encounter an aggressive or distracted driver…

• Control your emotions to avoid escalating the situation.
• Attempt to safely get out of his or her way.
• Avoid eye contact or obscene gestures.
• If a serious incident occurs, immediately contact the nearest police agency by safely dialing 911.

For more information on efforts to reduce aggressive and distracted driving:

• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s National Aggressive Driving Action Guide has more information on aggressive, distracted, and drowsy driving.
  
• The Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association has safety tips and additional information related to cellular phones and driving.
  
• The Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) can help employers educate their workers about the costs and dangers of aggressive driving.

For more information, please contact Caroline Hymoff, Senior Program Manager at the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security's Highway Safety Division.