Operation Safe Driver Week—an annual campaign conducted by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA)—will take place from July 10-16. This year’s focus will be on speeding.
Review the following guidance for further information on the purpose of Operation Safe Driver Week, this year’s focus and what motor carriers can do to prepare for the upcoming campaign.
The Purpose of Operation Safe Driver Week
This is an annual, seven-day initiative created by the CVSA to help detect and prevent unsafe behaviors on the road among commercial drivers.
During this week-long campaign, law enforcement agencies throughout North America typically participate in increased traffic safety enforcement, focusing on risky behaviors such as:
- Reckless or aggressive driving
- Distracted driving
- Following too closely
- Improper lane changes
- Failure to obey traffic control devices
- Failure to use a seat belt
- Evidence of drunk or drugged driving
As usual, drivers found in violation of any safety regulations could be issued a warning or citation.
In addition to heightened traffic safety enforcement, it calls for increased education and awareness of safe driving practices. Law enforcement agencies, transportation safety officials and motor carriers are encouraged to take this time to provide commercial drivers with valuable resources on safe driving behaviors.
2022 Campaign Focus
Each year, the CVSA identifies a specific topic to address during Operation Safe Driver Week. This year’s campaign focuses on speeding.
The CVSA’s reasoning for selecting this topic is due to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHSTA) annual traffic crash report, which showed that speed-related fatalities increased by 17%.
The total number of crashes and traffic injuries has declined, but the fatal crashes increased by 6.8%, according to the NHSTA. In 2020, 38,824 lives were lost in traffic crashes nationwide, which is the highest number of fatalities since 2007. Consequently, officers will be targeting speed during this year’s event.
What Motor Carriers Can Do
Motor carriers must prepare for Operation Safe Driver Week by educating their employees on safe driving behaviors and enforcing commercial driver regulatory compliance throughout their organization.
Here are some simple reminders that motor carriers can share with their drivers in preparation for this annual campaign:
- Follow all traffic laws
- Wear your seat belt at all times
- Obey all posted speed limits
- Never use your cellphone while driving
- Avoid driving when impaired by alcohol or drugs
- Practice safe driving habits at all times
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