KSP kicked off statewide safe driving program: Operation R.A.I.D. | Events

(KFVS) - The Kentucky State Police kicked off a six-month fall, holiday and New Year enforcement campaign called Operation R.A.I.D. (Remove Aggressive, Impaired and Distracted drivers from Kentucky Roadways) on November 1.

The effort was developed by KSP Commanders across the state to target driving behaviors that cause most crashes in Kentucky. Operation R.A.I.D. runs through April 30, 2013.

KSP Director of Operations, Lieutenant Colonel Jack Miniard said the unique aspect about Operation R.A.I.D. is that although it will have the same objectives, each post will have a different operational plan based on crash activity in that region.

"Many times, law enforcement will participate in a blanket campaign that may or may not work well in certain areas," said Miniard. “Operation R.A.I.D. allows each post to identify targeted areas based on real time crash data and mapping systems for more effective results.”

Miniard said the campaign will have both an enforcement and educational component to assist in getting the message out to drivers.

“We will have more visible enforcement in crash corridors, more roving patrols, and an increase in safety checkpoints across the state,” added Miniard. “Posts will utilize best practices for which they have had the most success and combine current crash data to identify targeted enforcement zones.”

“Each post will be challenged to utilize their Public Affairs Officer’s as an outreach tool to the community,” says Miniard.  “Through media and education we can get our message out while providing the public with safe driving resources.”

Miniard said the campaign focus is on reducing the loss of life on Kentucky highways.

“This program is not about writing tickets, it is about enforcing traffic laws and bringing awareness to dangerous driving behaviors that cause crashes,” added Miniard.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration defines aggressive driving as occurring when “an individual commits a combination of moving traffic offenses so as to endanger other persons or property.” NHTSA studies show that aggressive drivers cause two-thirds of all fatal crashes and 35 percent of all crashes.

For more information about Operation R.A.I.D. in your area, please contact your local post or call the KSP Public Affairs Branch at 502-782-1780.

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