GA Code 40-6-397 – Aggressive Driving: Driving behavior that is rude, unsafe, or frightening to other drivers. Georgia law says, “a person commits the offense of aggressing driving when (they) operate ANY motor vehicle with the intent to annoy, harass, molest, intimidate, injure, or obstruct another person.”

In simple terms, this can include weaving, in-and-out of traffic, cutting-off other drivers or keeping them from changing lanes; yelling or making obscene gestures, running red lights, tailgating, or even speeding.

Did you know that a person convicted of aggressive driving shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature? Trust me on this one, you can be fined several hundred and earn several points on your driving record. If you under 21? There is a very good chance that you will lose your license and privilege to drive.

Remember, this is not just a Sandy Springs thing, this is a state law.

Did you know that speeding is the most frequent aggressive driving behavior engaged in by drivers? Speed related crashes cost the US more than $40 billion a year. More than 1-in-6 fatal crashes in Georgia every year involve speed. 335 yearly speed related deaths has been the average since 2005.

Aggressive driving can lead to violence, which I am sure you all can relate to, or even fatal crashes. Your family, your friends, your children; anyone can be a victim or an aggressive driver, especially if that driver is you.

This and more information can be found at the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety website, www.gahighwaysafety.org.

Officer Larry Jacobs is the Crime Prevention Officer for the Sandy Springs Police Department. He can be reached at ljacobs@sandyspringsga.gov.