Operation Safe Driver Week Shifts Focus to Speeding Violations
CVSA advocates for safe driving practices in annual campaign scheduled for July 9-15.
In an effort to prioritize road safety, law enforcement officers throughout North America are gearing up for a significant campaign next month. The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) is organizing Operation Safe Driver Week from July 9 to 15, during which drivers will receive increased attention regarding safe driving practices.
The primary goal of this annual weeklong initiative is to address both passenger vehicle drivers and commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers, aiming to decrease the occurrence of accidents and promote the adoption of safe driving habits through a combination of education and traffic enforcement strategies.
Law Enforcement Cracks Down on Unsafe Driving Practices to Promote Road Safety
This year, the focus will be on the issue of speeding, which has remained a central concern for the past four years. Law enforcement officers will be on the lookout for drivers engaging in unsafe practices, such as distracted driving, failure to wear seat belts, improper lane changes, reckless turning or passing, usage of handheld devices while driving, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
According to Robert Kaferle, Vice President of Safety at Reliance Partners, a Tennessee-based trucking insurance agency specializing in risk management through safety consulting, there are numerous responsible drivers who abide by the rules every day. However, the actions of a few reckless drivers tarnish the reputation of the entire driving community. Initiatives like Operation Safe Driver Week serve to raise awareness and shift the perception of drivers as a whole.
Thousands of Citations and Warnings Handed Out Due to Speeding
During the previous year’s Operation Safe Driver Week, law enforcement officers pulled over more than 35,000 CMVs and passenger vehicles, resulting in 26,164 warnings and citations, as reported by the CVSA. Among the most common offenses were instances of speeding. CMV drivers received 2,577 warnings and 1,490 citations for speeding, while passenger vehicle drivers received 4,722 warnings and 7,096 citations for the same offense.
According to an analysis by the American Transportation Research Institute, CMV drivers who receive a speeding violation are 47% more likely to be involved in a crash. This underscores the importance of curbing speeding behaviors and improving overall road safety.
Kaferle emphasized that while unsafe driving behavior is the catalyst for drivers being pulled over, the subsequent roadside inspections may unveil other potential violations. It is therefore crucial for fleet and safety managers to proactively raise awareness ahead of Operation Safe Driver Week. Kaferle recommends disseminating information through newsletters, conversations with dispatchers, and discussing the topic during maintenance staff meetings. By involving the entire organization, drivers will gain a clearer understanding of the organization’s expectations regarding safe driving.
Fleet Managers’ Role in Ensuring Safe Driving Practices
Kaferle also cautioned against the potential hazards posed by fleet managers in a market with limited freight opportunities. In their pursuit of increased productivity, fleet managers may inadvertently push drivers beyond their limits, resulting in unsafe driving practices. This includes requesting fatigued drivers to continue operating vehicles despite having remaining hours or utilizing exemptions that are legally permissible but may compromise driver fatigue.
“From an operational and organizational standpoint, it is essential to scrutinize and question these practices,” advised Kaferle.
Reliance Partners, with its team of experts, stands ready to assist companies in managing risk, enhancing compliance, and fostering a strong safety culture within their organizations.
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