Operation Safe Driver Week One Step Away From Starting

Operation Safe Driver Week Begins July 12: What Truck Drivers Should Know

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) annual enforcement campaign begins this Sunday, July 12, marking the start of Operation Safe Driver Week across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

From July 12 through July 18, law enforcement officers will increase traffic enforcement efforts, watching for unsafe driving behaviors by both commercial motor vehicle drivers and passenger vehicle drivers. Drivers observed committing traffic violations may receive a warning or citation during the weeklong campaign.

Operation Safe Driver Week Focuses on Reckless and Careless Driving

This year’s Operation Safe Driver Week places a spotlight on reckless, careless, and dangerous driving.

According to CVSA, officers will be looking for behaviors such as:

• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Following too closely
• Improper lane changes
• Failure to obey traffic control devices
• Aggressive driving
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Failure to wear a seat belt

Unlike inspection events such as International Roadcheck or Brake Safety Week, the Safe Driver campaign is centered on how vehicles are operated rather than on mechanical defects or equipment violations.

Safe Driver Reminder for Truck Drivers

With enforcement beginning Sunday, truck drivers can expect to see an increased law enforcement presence on highways throughout North America.

CVSA encourages commercial drivers to review safe driving habits before the campaign begins. The organization recently released educational materials reminding drivers to maintain safe following distances, avoid distractions, obey posted speed limits, signal lane changes, and remain alert around work zones and emergency responders.

Truck Driver Resources Available Before Operation Safe Driver Week

Ahead of this year’s campaign, CVSA released educational materials designed specifically for commercial drivers.

The agency encourages drivers to review safe driving practices before the enforcement period begins. The brochure reminds drivers to:

• Leave enough following distance.
• Watch for aggressive passenger vehicle drivers.
• Eliminate distractions while driving.
• Adjust speed for weather and traffic conditions.
• Wear a seat belt at all times.
• Signal lane changes early.
• Stay alert for work zones and emergency vehicles.
• Plan trips to reduce fatigue and avoid rushing.

The educational effort is intended to complement enforcement by helping drivers recognize behaviors that contribute to crashes before violations occur.

Campaign Emphasizes Preparation

As the enforcement campaign gets underway, Safe Driver remains the focus for both education and enforcement.

CVSA previously announced that Operation Safe Driver Week would take place from July 12 through July 18, giving commercial drivers advance notice to prepare for increased traffic enforcement. In the weeks leading up to the campaign, the organization also highlighted the importance of avoiding aggressive driving, encouraging habits such as maintaining safe following distances, obeying posted speed limits, staying focused behind the wheel, and allowing extra space for other motorists.

Those reminders continue to serve as the foundation of this year’s campaign as enforcement begins across North America.

Why the Safe Driver Campaign Matters

The goal of the Safe Driver campaign is to reduce crashes by encouraging safer driving behaviors through a combination of education and enforcement.

During the week, officers across the United States, Canada, and Mexico will monitor both commercial drivers and passenger vehicle drivers for unsafe behaviors that contribute to crashes. While the campaign may result in warnings or citations for traffic violations, its broader purpose is to improve roadway safety for everyone traveling on North America’s highways.