THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

HOUSE RESOLUTION

INTRODUCED BY WATERS, V. BROWN, PAYTON, SWANGER, MURT, BRADFORD, CALTAGIRONE, D. COSTA, FABRIZIO, GIBBONS, JOHNSON, MANN, M. O'BRIEN AND YOUNGBLOOD, AUGUST 22, 2011

INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35, AUGUST 22, 2011  

A RESOLUTION

Encouraging safe driving habits and the reduction of road rage

incidents in Pennsylvania.

WHEREAS, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

(NHTSA) defines road rage as "an assault with a motor vehicle or

other dangerous weapon by the operator or passenger(s) of

another motor vehicle or an assault precipitated by an incident

that occurred on a roadway"; and

WHEREAS, The NHTSA classifies road rage as a criminal

offense; and

WHEREAS, Road rage can often cause significant property

damage and physical harm, including fatalities; and

WHEREAS, Road rage can be sparked by incidents of aggressive

driving such as tailgating, cutting off traffic and driving with

excessive speed, among others; and

WHEREAS, Psychological research has demonstrated that road

rage may often be the result of "intermittent explosive

disorder," which could affect as many as 16 million Americans;

and

WHEREAS, The NHTSA has concluded that incidents of road rage

are likely to increase as roadways become more congested and

drivers travel more miles; therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives encourage motor

vehicle drivers in this Commonwealth to show civility and

courtesy toward other drivers and to drive defensively instead

of aggressively; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives continue to

support measures that will promote safe driving practices in

Pennsylvania.