The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has set the dates for its annual Operation Safe Driver Week. This safe-driving enforcement initiative will be held July 7-13, 2024. State and local law enforcement are working with the motor carrier industry to reduce crashes, injuries and fatalities on our roadways.
The focus area for this year’s CVSA Operation Safe Driver Week is reckless, careless and dangerous driving. There is an array of violations and behaviors that can be deemed reckless – conduct that can put lives in danger. But drivers need to be considerate of careless driving as well, as it is a civil traffic violation to ignore the rules of the road. When careless driving happens with professional drivers operating fleet vehicles, fines and penalties can be charged to both the driver and the business.
Because summertime is a great time to hit the road for many people, there are more vehicles on the road, so it’s important to ensure you are being a careful and mindful driver, no matter what vehicle you operate. This is a great time to review some reminders during your next drivers’ meeting.
Tips for being a careful and mindful driver
Avoid distractions, especially from mobile devices
Adhere to posted speed limits and other road signs
Never drink alcohol or use any addictive substances
Be aware of your surroundings, managing safe distances and pass with caution
Adapt driving to road and weather conditions
Keep tempers and emotions in check to fend off road rage
Solutions to Assist Fleets with Safe Driving
Yes, drivers are ultimately responsible for their behaviors behind the wheel, but fleets should have a strong safety policy with transparent systems in place to monitor driver behavior. When drivers understand the company expectations, and recognize the transparent systems supervising their driving behaviors, they are more likely to become and remain mindful of their actions. Look for systems that can provide information on
- High RPM
- Fast acceleration
- Hard braking
- Sharp, hard turns
Monitoring these aspects and holding drivers accountable will keep not only your drivers safe, but those around them that share the road.
Download our Safe Driver Flyer for your next driver meeting.
You can also get more information directly from the CVSA website.
Safe Travels!