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Every year, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) promotes Operation Safe Driver Week (OSDW), a seven-day period that targets unsafe driving behaviors of both commercial and non-commercial drivers.
This year, Operation Safe Driver Week is scheduled for July 10-16.
OSDW is a part of CVSA’s Operation Safe Driver Program, which is designed to teach safe driving practices and reduce the number deaths on the road.
But what can truck drivers expect during OSDW this year?
Operation Safe Driver Week 2022 to focus on speeding
Like previous years, a focus will be placed on speeding during OSDW. This means law enforcement will be watching for vehicles that are engaging in risky driving behavior.
The CVSA picked speeding again as this year’s focus since speeding continues to be a major contributing factor in traffic fatalities. In fact, the National Safety Council claims speeding deaths now constitute for 29% of all traffic fatalities and take over 11,200 lives each year.
What to expect during Operation Safe Driver Week
During OSDW, truck drivers can expect an increased presence of law enforcement monitoring the roads. These officials will be on the lookout for unsafe behaviors and will be issuing citations and warnings throughout the week.
Last year, over the seven-day period, 46,058 drivers partaking in risky driving behavior were stopped by law enforcement throughout the U.S., Mexico and Canada.
Although the CVSA is specifically focusing on speeding during this year’s Operation Safe Driver Week, drivers may also be stopped due to other dangerous driving behavior such as:
- Driving aggressively or recklessly.
- Failing to use a seat belt.
- Following at an improper distance.
- Driving under the influence.
- Making unsafe lane changes.
- Failing to obey traffic control devices.
How truck drivers can prepare for Operation Safe Driver Week
The best way to prepare for OSDW is by practicing safe driving habits every day. These habits include, but are not limited to:
- ALWAYS wearing your seatbelt: Seatbelts are one of the simplest safety devices available to drivers. They are also one of the most important.
- Staying alert while driving: Drivers should always stay aware of their surroundings. Being aware of the road and other motorists can help you react quickly in dangerous situations.
- Obeying the speed limit: Always follow the speed limit and reduce your speed on roads with poor conditions caused by weather, construction and curves.
- Maintaining safe following distance: Give yourself at least seven seconds of following distance and allow a larger following distance if weather is not ideal.
- Eliminating distractions while you drive: Cut down on distractions by keeping your phone out of sight and out of reach and setting up your GPS before you start driving.
