Can You Guess the #1 Violation of Operation Safe Driver Week?
Operation Safe Driver Week is an annual event organized by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) that promotes commercial vehicle safety. This initiative identifies and addresses unsafe driving behaviors via educational and traffic enforcement strategies and engagement with law enforcement.
The latter includes an increase in the number of officers and inspectors who monitor both passenger vehicle drivers and commercial motor vehicle drivers on roadways. Examples of high-risk driving behaviors that are targeted and addressed include:
- Texting
- Reckless driving
- Impaired driving
- Unsafe lane changes
- Improper following distance
- Distracted driving
- Not wearing a seatbelt
However, there’s one violation that has consistently topped the list during Operation Safe Driver Week, contributing to over 25% of fatal car crashes since 2008. Here’s what it is.
Over 2,000 Warnings and Citations
The 2023 Operation Safe Driver Week results include a combined 2,219 warnings and 2,024 citations for the #1 violation of the whole campaign: speeding.
In the United States, CMV drivers received the following number of speeding citations and warnings:
- 1,538 warnings
- 539 citations
Meanwhile, PV drivers in the United States received:
- 576 warnings
- 1,038 citations
Speeding was also the top violation in Canada, albeit, the number of warnings and citations was nowhere near as high as the United States. They are as follows:
- 56 warnings to CMV drivers
- 176 citations to CMV drivers
- 49 warnings to PV drivers
- 255 citations to PV drivers
The good news is that the above figures are significantly lower than the results of the past few years. In 2022, for instance, speeding resulted in 7,299 warnings and 8,586 citations for CMV and PV drivers combined. In 2021, the combined results were 5,478 warnings and 11,039 citations. Finally, in 2020, CMV and PV drivers received 14,879 warnings and 16,717 citations.
Other Top CMV and PV Driver Violations
Speeding might have taken the top spot during Operation Safe Driver Week, but a few other high-risk driving behaviors resulted in warnings and citations to CMV and PV drivers. They are as follows:
- Failure to obey traffic control device
- Failure to wear a seat belt
- Texting/using a handheld device
- Improper lane change
The above also applies to Canada, as well as:
- Improper passing
- Inattentive/careless driving
- Following too closely
- Possession/use/under the influence of alcohol or drugs
In total, 5,756 warnings and 4,494 citations were issued to CMV and PV drivers combined.
Follow These Driving Safety Tips
Engaging in safe driving behaviors is important for the well-being of yourself, other vehicles, pedestrians, and the surrounding environment. Below are some essential driving safety tips for beginners and seasoned veterans alike:
- Obey posted speed limits
- Speeding reduces reaction time
- Avoid tailgating
- Increases the risk of rear-end collisions
- Stay focused and distraction-free
- Avoid texting, talking on the phone, and other unsafe activities
- Always wear your seatbelt
- Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Be mindful of weather conditions
- Adjust your driving to suit weather conditions like rain, fog, and snow
- Watch out for pedestrians and cyclists
Be sure to always drive safely and responsibly to keep the roads accident-free. Together, we can make every journey a safe one.
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