Road rage in abundance

Thursday, Sept. 16, 1999 | 12:38 p.m.

In eight hours on Tuesday, officers issued 44 citations for hazardous maneuvers and speeding. They also wrote people up for suspended drivers' licenses and registrations.

The Aggressive Driving Apprehension Program Team also helped in four arrests - two on felony charges, one drunken driving and two warrants.

The program was launched Sept. 8 with an unmarked white 1993 Chevrolet Caprice patrolling the freeways. It concentrated on the Interstate 80-U.S. 395 interchange and traveled most during morning and evening rush hours.

The trooper in the patrol car alerted troopers ahead about unsafe drivers and they collared the suspect vehicles.

The aim is not so much to write tickets as to educate motorists about the hazards of aggressive driving, according to Trooper Tony Almaraz.

"Hopefully, in time, when people are more educated, it will be more a deterrent," Almaraz said. "They'll know the patrol is watching."

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