2024 Operation Safe Driver Week to Focus on
Risky Driving Behaviors

Operation Safe Driver Week is an annual event organized by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA). It will take place from July 7th to July 13th, 2024. This event aims to improve driving behaviors among both commercial motor vehicle drivers and passenger vehicle drivers through education and enforcement.

Purpose and Importance of Operation Safe Driver

The main goal of Operation Safe Driver Week is to reduce the number of accidents and deaths on the road. By targeting unsafe driving behaviors, the initiative aims to make highways safer for everyone. Law enforcement officers across North America will be on high alert for drivers engaging in risky behaviors such as speeding, distracted driving, and not wearing seat belts. Drivers identified as engaging in these behaviors will be pulled over and issued warnings or citations.

Key Statistics and Focus Areas

Speeding

• Speeding is a major cause of road deaths, accounting for nearly a third of all traffic fatalities.
• In 2018, speeding was a factor in 26% of all traffic deaths, resulting in 9,378 lives lost.
• During last year’s Operation Safe Driver Week, speeding was a top violation, with 2,024 citations and 2,219 warnings issued.

Distracted Driving

• Distracted driving claimed 3,142 lives in 2019.
• Texting or using a handheld device while driving was a significant issue during the previous year’s campaign, resulting in 243 warnings and 262 citations.

Seat Belt Use

• Failure to wear a seat belt is a critical safety issue. In 2019, nearly half of the 22,215 passenger vehicle occupants killed in crashes were not wearing seat belts.
• During the 2023 Operation Safe Driver Week, 512 warnings and 553 citations were issued for seat belt violations.

Impact of Operation Safe Driver Week

Last year, the initiative saw significant participation and enforcement:

• 3,681 enforcement officers from 55 jurisdictions interacted with 66,421 drivers.
• A total of 71,343 warnings and citations were issued.
• The campaign focused on speeding, distracted driving, seat belt use, and other unsafe behaviors.

Educational Efforts and Outreach

In addition to enforcement, Operation Safe Driver Week includes extensive educational campaigns aimed at different driver groups:

• Teens and New Drivers: Materials such as videos and flyers are available to teach safe driving practices around large trucks and buses.
• Commercial Drivers: Educational resources are provided to highlight the dangers of distracted driving, aggressive driving, and other risks.

Collaboration and Future Goals of Operation Safe Driver

Operation Safe Driver Week is a collaborative effort involving CVSA, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and various state, provincial, and local law enforcement agencies. The program, launched in 2007, continues to adapt and expand its efforts to reduce roadway fatalities and improve driver behavior.

Looking Ahead

Operation Safe Driver Week is a vital initiative in the ongoing effort to make roads safer. Through a combination of enforcement and education, the campaign aims to reduce accidents and save lives. As the week approaches, both commercial and passenger vehicle drivers are encouraged to adhere to safe driving practices and remain aware of the increased law enforcement presence on the roads.

By highlighting the importance of safe driving and addressing high-risk behaviors, Operation Safe Driver Week plays a crucial role in enhancing road safety for everyone.