Heads Up! CVSA’s Operation Safe Driver Week 2021 is Here
Do you know that speeding is a factor in a quarter of crash deaths since 2008, and it’s the most frequent driver-related crash factor for drivers of commercial motor vehicles and passenger vehicles? Speeding is also a factor in 26% of all traffic fatalities in 2018, killing 9,378 people or an average of more than 25 people per day.
This is why CVSA’s Operation Safe Driver Week exists.
This year’s Operation Safe Driver Week has started and will continue to run until July 17th, 2021. This year’s focus is on speeding and other dangerous driving behaviors. During this time, law enforcement personnel will be on the lookout for commercial motor vehicle drivers and passenger vehicle drivers engaging in risky behaviors in or around a commercial motor vehicle.
Unsafe drivers will be pulled over and issued a citation or warning. Continue reading what the program is about, and how to prepare for it.
What is CVSA’s Operation Safe Driver Week?
Operation Safe Driver Week helps reduce the number of crashes involving commercial motor vehicles and passenger vehicles due to unsafe driving behaviors. The goal behind this program is to improve drivers’ behaviors through educational and traffic enforcement strategies.
Most crashes are caused by drivers’ actions, and research shows that interactions with law enforcement change the driver’s behaviors.
What to Know about Operation Safe Driver Week 2021
What you need to know if you’re pulled over for speeding, officers will deeply investigate you and your vehicle. You may receive a warning or citation if you engage in speeding or other risky driving habits.
The other problematic driving behaviors officers will track but not limited to are:
- Reckless or aggressive driving
- Distracted driving (claimed 3,142 lives in 2019)
- Following too closely
- Improper lane change
- Failure to obey traffic control devices
- Failure to use a seat belt (In 2019, 47% out of 22,215 passenger vehicle occupants were not wearing seat belts)
- Evidence of drunk or drugged driving (in 2019, 10,142 people lost their lives to drunk driving)
Results from the Past Few Years
CVSA selected speeding as its focus this year because even though there was a drop in road travel last year due to the pandemic, traffic fatalities still increased nationally.
Surprisingly, the estimated rate of death on roads last year increased 24% over the previous 12-month period, despite miles driven were dropped to 13%. This is the highest estimated year-over-year jump NSC has calculated in 96 years.
Tips for Truckers
To prepare yourself during and after this week, follow the tips below for best practices.
- Follow the speed limits.
- Abide by common traffic laws, obey traffic control devices, and wear your seat belt.
- Don’t engage in dangerous driving behaviors and practice defensive driving.
- Continue to operate within the Hours of Service regulations to ensure you’re well rested and alert when driving.
- Allow additional time to get to your destination safely.
- Avoid tailgating.
At US Cargo Control, We Care About Your Safety
By spreading awareness about Operation Safe Driver Week, we want to make sure truckers are prepared during and after this event. It may be easier to speed so you can reach your destination faster, but that comes with a risk. It’s better to get there safely, than not get there at all.
Stay safe out there, and use defensive driving skills!
Other Reads for Truckers:
Long-Haul Truck Drivers Share The Most Scenic Drives in America
5 Money-Saving Tips for Truck Drivers on the Road
6 Types of Truck Driver Cooking Equipment That Will Make Your Life Easier
5 Fun Things for Truck Drivers to Do When on the Road
5 Tips for How to Sleep Better in a Semi Truck
9 Free Ways for Truck Drivers to Save on Fuel
