Aggressive driving bill slowed in Senate committee

Friday, April 30, 1999 | 12:26 p.m.

AB76 defines several traffic infractions and says that two or more committed in quick succession are grounds for an aggressive driving ticket. The infractions include tailgating, passing on the right and speeding.

A first offense would be a misdemeanor with violators required to attend a traffic safety course. A second conviction would result in a one-year driver's license revocation.

The bill's sponsor, Assemblyman David Parks, D- Las Vegas, has downplayed its label as a road rage measure. Instead, he says, it's about curbing aggressive driving, which he said leads to road rage.

Supporters, including several law enforcement officials, say it's another tool for dealing with traffic scofflaws.

"We have laws on the books right now that would deal with each and every one of these violations independently," said Col. Mike Hood, chief of the Nevada Highway Patrol. "What we're trying to get across here is the seriousness of the offense by labeling it as an aggressive driving citation. This would give us a tool to label something a more serious offense rather than standing out there writing six individual tickets."

But several committee members, including Transportation Chairman Bill O'Donnell, R-Las Vegas, worried Thursday that the bill would constitute double jeopardy because drivers could face prosecution under different statutes for the same offense.

O'Donnell also asked if a single violation - aggressive driving - wouldn't be easier to fight than multiple charges of speeding, tailgating and other infractions.

Sen. Maurice Washington, R-Sparks, worried the bill would take away judicial discretion and clog the courts with traffic cases.