Maine police chiefs address road rage problem

SOUTH PORTLAND – The Maine Chiefs of Police Association recently drafted and adopted a resolution to address the growing problem of road rage. The Maine chiefs want to discourage aggressive driving, recognizing the continued problem with results ranging from personal injury, property damage and loss of life.

The association will work with community leaders, prosecutors, Maine’s court system and law enforcement officials to educate and enforce Maine’s traffic laws. Police departments will work to investigate reports thoroughly and stop aggressive drivers.

Maine residents can begin the process by obeying traffic laws and reporting incidents of road rage to local police departments. “Cooperation on this issue between the citizens and law enforcement will assist greatly,” said Presque Isle Police Chief Naldo Gagnon, president of the association.

The Maine chiefs recommend when confronted by an aggressive driver the following tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

. Get out of the way.

. Put your pride aside.

. Avoid eye contact.

. Ignore gestures.

. Report serious aggressive driving.

The Maine Chiefs of Police Association has posted its resolution on its Web site at www.mainechiefs.us.