Law enforcement in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico plan to focus on speeders during Operation Safe Driver week, July 10-16.
“The rising fatalities on our roadways are a national crisis. We cannot and must not accept these deaths as inevitable,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg reportedly said.
Crashes related to excessive speed have reportedly increased by 17 percent in recent years, prompting the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to fast-track regulations that could require speed limiters in Class 8 trucks. Operation Safe Driver week is largely a period to remind truckers and passenger vehicle drivers that unsafe practices result in citations.
Last year, over 28,000 commercial motor vehicles and 18,000 passenger drives were stopped July 11-17 throughout North America by the joint efforts of law enforcement affiliated with the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA). In the U.S., 8,438 warnings and 12,264 citations were issued. The number of CDL holders in the mix tallied 4,420 warnings and 3,158 citations. Although the 2021 installation of Operation Safe Driver was not necessarily focused on speeding, 1,690 citations and 2,549 warnings were issued along these lines. Failure to wear a seatbelt ran second at a reported 1,225 citations and 954 warnings.
“This safe driving initiative and campaign focuses specifically on drivers’ actions – whether it’s something a driver did, like speeding, or something they didn’t do, such as not paying attention to the driving task,” CVSA President Capt. John Broers, of the South Dakota Highway Patrol, reportedly said. “This focus on drivers’ behaviors is our effort to identify and educate drivers who are operating dangerously on our roadways, with the goal of preventing crashes from occurring.”
This year, truckers would be well-served to use a light foot and remain below the posted speed limit. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 38,824 people were killed in 2020, with the lion’s share occurring on highways over the last 15 years. The division of the U.S. Department of Transportation recently released that 42,915 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2021, more than 4,000 more than the previous year or a 10.5 percent increase. The essential point for truckers during the week-long law enforcement escalation is that officials are laser-focused on cracking down on speeders. One might infer more citations and fewer warnings.
Truckers can also expect law enforcement to affect traffic stops for suspected texting while driver, impairment, fatigue, failure to use signals, and general failure to meet traffic regulation compliance. The CVSA also announced that Brake Week has been scheduled for Aug. 21-27. Law enforcement anticipate conducting an increased number of field inspections, and commercial motor vehicles with critical braking system deficiencies are likely to be sidelined.
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance is a non-profit association made up of motor vehicle safety officials from local, state, provincial, and federal organizations with a singular goal of improved highway safety.
Sources: cvsa.org, nhtsa.gov, cnbc.com, fleetowner.com
Buck Vue says
Why aren’t they considering speed limiters on passenger vehicles?
Russell Schoonover says
Cause it’s fast and easy cash for states and they give you CSA points too
Steve says
Has nothing to do with safety, and everything about revenue enhancement. Prop up the numbers so they can request more money in next year’s budget. Hard working truckers are a easy target, that’s all.
VVH says
Thank you!! ^^
Jack Carberry says
Truckers can also expect law enforcement to affect traffic stops for suspected texting while driver, impairment, fatigue, failure to use signals, and general failure to meet traffic regulation compliance. The CVSA also announced that Brake Week has been scheduled for Aug. 21-27. Law enforcement anticipate conducting an increased number of field inspections, and commercial motor vehicles with critical braking system deficiencies are likely to be sidelined.
Excellent I for one am all for it. Too many owner operators are in such a frenzy and work/drive like a stray dog on meth. They need to be scrutinized and cited. They should consider doing all a favor and sell their chicken-lighted trucks and buy a lawnmower; and have the ability to mow lawns 24/7 and no ELD.
Hee Haw!
Rommel jaggernauth says
What did you expect when everyone has to chase a clock all day long .I guess no body took that seriously into consideration