Operation Safe Driver Week 2022: Everything You Need to Know
Operation Safe Driver Week kicked off on Sunday with a reinvigorated call on all drivers to slow down and keep our roads safe.
This year's campaign runs from July 10-16th and is focused again on speeding, one of the most common reasons for motor vehicle accident fatalities. Law enforcement will be on roadways throughout the week issuing warnings and citations to commercial motor vehicles and passenger vehicles engaging in unsafe driving behaviors.
We at U.S. Cargo Control want to bring awareness and keep our truckers and motorists safe on the roadways at all times. Here's everything you need to know about this year's campaign and what you can do to help keep our roads safe for everyone.
What is Operation Safe Driver Week?
Operation Safe Driver Week is an annual campaign created by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Administration (CVSA) that looks to reduce unsafe driving behaviors among motorists across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Working alongside federal agencies across these countries, law enforcement officers will be on the lookout for these driving behaviors:
- speeding
- distracted driving
- following too closely
- improper lane change
- failure to wear a seat belt
- drunk or drugged driving
Studies have shown that interactions with law enforcement officers can affect people's driving behaviors and help reduce the number of traffic accidents on the road. Every time a driver gets pulled over for unsafe behavior means an opportunity for law enforcement to educate them and change their driving habits for the better. That's what Operation Safe Driver Week is pushing officers to do.
Why is Operation Safe Driver Week Important?
Operation Safe Driver Week aims to educate and spread awareness about the dangers and effects of unsafe driving habits. It seems like some of these efforts have caught on, as we've seen a reduction in motor vehicle crashes and traffic-related injuries in 2020, based off of the 2020 overview report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Unfortunately, motor vehicle fatalities are on the rise in North America. The NHTSA's annual traffic crash data report showed 42,915 fatailties from motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2021. This is a 10.5% increase from the previous year and marks as the highest number of driving fatalities since 2005.
What is the Focus for 2022?
The focus this year for Operation Safe Driver Week is speeding, which is the same as last year's campaign focus. Speeding is still the number one cause of traffic-related fatalities year after year. Law enforcement officers are warning drivers about going too fast on the roads and the dangerous situations they put themselves and others through.
What Impact Does Operation Safe Driver Week Have?
Last year's campaign results saw law enforcement officers stop 46,058 passenger vehicle and commercial motor vehicle drivers for unsafe driving behaviors: 10,486 warnings and 16,863 citations were issued.
In 2020, 66,421 vehicles observed engaged in these behaviors. The year before saw even more vehicles getting pulled over by law enforcement officers -- a staggering 134,376!
Over the past couple of years, the number of stops during Operation Safe Driver Week has trended downwards. This could indicate that less drivers are engaging in bad driving habits during this time.
Tips for Safe Driving
There are a number of things drivers can do to keep themselves and other around them safe on the roadways:
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Follow the speed limit.
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Wear your seat belt at all times.
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Do not multi-task while you are driving.
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Practice defensive driving.
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Allow yourself additional time to get to your destination safely.
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Don't tailgate other vehicles.
Drive safe out there and always look out for unsafe drivers!
Other Reads You May Like:
4 Important Nighttime Driving Tips for Truckers
5 Tips for Staying Awake While You Are on the Road
9 Free Ways for Truck Drivers to Save Fuel
5 Fun Things For Truck Drivers to Do When on the Road
