Operation Safe Driver Week—an annual campaign conducted by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA)—begins today, and runs from July 7-13, 2024. This year’s focus will be on reckless, careless and dangerous driving.
The Purpose of Operation Safe Driver Week
Operation Safe Driver Week is an annual seven-day initiative created by the CVSA to help detect and prevent unsafe behaviors among commercial drivers on the road. During this weeklong campaign, law enforcement agencies throughout Canada, Mexico and the U.S. typically participate in increased traffic safety enforcement. Drivers who violate any safety regulations (e.g., speeding, distracted driving, improper lane changes, failure to obey traffic control devices or use a seatbelt, and driving under the influence) could be issued warnings or citations. In addition to heightened traffic safety enforcement, Operation Safe Driver Week 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.
2024 Campaign Focus
Each year, the CVSA identifies a specific topic to address during Operation Safe Driver Week. This year’s campaign focuses on both commercial motor vehicle drivers and passenger vehicle drivers engaging in reckless, careless and dangerous driving practices. Any person who drives a vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of others or property is engaging in reckless driving. Careless or dangerous driving is defined as operating a vehicle without due care, attention or reasonable consideration for other motorists or pedestrians.
Through initiatives like Operation Safe Driver Week, law enforcement jurisdictions, the motor carrier industry and federal agencies work together toward the same goal – preventing crashes, injuries and fatalities on North America’s roadways. View the results from previous years of Operation Safe Driver Week.
What Motor Carriers Can Do
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, effective, high-visibility communications and outreach are essential parts of successful transportation safety programs. Motor carriers can prepare for Operation Safe Driver Week by educating their employees on safe driving behaviors and enforcing commercial driver regulatory compliance throughout their organizations. Here are some simple reminders that motor carriers can share with their drivers for Operation Safe Driver Week:
- 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.
- Maintain proper following distances from vehicles in front of you.
DIG Deeper
Operation Safe Driver Week is part of CVSA’s Operation Safe Driver Program. The program offers resources for teen and new drivers and commercial motor vehicle drivers, along with safe-driving public service announcement videos, which are available for download and distribution.
Contact the Transportation Insurance experts at Deeley Insurance Group for additional risk management guidance. Call or text 410-213-5600.
