Operation Safe Driver Week 2020 is Here, and How to Prepare for it
Operation Safe Driver Week 2020 is here from July 12th to July 18th. It's important that all truck drivers are driving carefully for the long haul. Read what this week is about, and how to prepare for it.
Note: This week is the first and one of the largest organized events since the coronavirus pandemic canceled CVSA's annual International Roadcheck inspection in early May.
What is Operation Safe Driver Week?
During this time, CVSA and law enforcement across North America engage in traffic safety enforcement and education aimed to combat unsafe driving behaviors. With the coronavirus pandemic creating less traffic on the roads, this may encourage unsafe driving behaviors.
With less traffic on the roads, speeding is one of the leading unsafe driving behaviors. Due to recent data, CVSA mentions that "the average speed on interstate highways, state highways and expressways in those areas increased by as much as 75% compared to January and February." Because of this alarming data, CVSA decided speeding should be the focus area for this year's Operation Safe Driver Week.
What Do I Need to Know About Operation Safe Driver Week 2020?
What you need to know is if you are pulled over for speeding, it is an invitation for officers to deeply investigate you and your vehicle. Warnings or citations will be issued if you engage in dangerous driving behaviors. Other unsafe driving behaviors law enforcement will track are:
- Distracted driving
- Failure to wear a seatbelt
- Following too closely
- Improper lane change
- Reckless or aggressive driving
- Failure to obey traffic control devices
- Drunk or drugged driving
Speeding Results the Past Few Months
During the past few months, some results CSVA discovered are:
- In New York City, transportation officials reported an increase of more than 60% in the number of speed camera tickets issued in March compared to a year ago. At the same time, traffic was down more than 90% compared to January.
- In Washington, D.C., traffic decreased 80% in March compared to January, while officials recorded a 20% increase in March speeding tickets. Of those tickets, violations for driving 21-25 mph over the speed limit rose by nearly 40%.
- In Minnesota, motor vehicle crashes and fatalities more than doubled compared to the same time period in previous years. Half those deaths were related to speeding or careless or negligent driving.
- In Colorado, Indiana, Nebraska and Utah, police have clocked highway speeds of more than 100 mph.
- Chicago and Los Angeles went from travel speed increases of 35-38% above average to 74-75% above average in just one week.
At US Cargo Control, We Care About Your Safety
With a focus on safer driving behaviors, securing your cargo is equally important. Last year, cargo securement was the number four violation! Read the Dos and Don'ts on Load Securement to keep others and yourself safe.
It may be easier to speed so you can reach your destination faster, but fatalities may occur. It's better to get there safely, than not get there at all. Stay safe out there and use defensive driving skills!
Missed out on Truckers Jamboree? Watch their virtual event from this past weekend!
