Operation Safe Driver Week
May 21, 2018
According to the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), Operation Safe Driver Week will take place from July 15th to the 21st, at which time police officers across the country will be paying close attention to the driving habits of both passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles.
In an effort to reach a goal of zero traffic fatalities, law enforcement will be issuing citations for unsafe driving behaviors, including speeding, tailgating, distracted driving, failure to obey traffic control devices, and improper lane changes.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that over 88 percent of large truck accidents, and 93 percent of passenger vehicle accidents, are caused by unsafe driving behavior. Truck accidents in particular can be extremely devastating due to the massive size and weight of the vehicle.
Therefore, if a truck driver is speeding; driving while drowsy or distracted; under the influence of drugs or alcohol; or any other behavior that jeopardizes the safety of others on the road, there will be consequences which will include warnings and citations.
In 2017, the top five warnings/citations that were issued to drivers included the following:
- State/local moving violations: 84.2 percent
- Speeding: 7.4 percent
- Failure to use a seat belt: 2.6 percent
- Failure to obey traffic control devices: 2.5 percent
- Using a handheld phone: .08 percent
How to Avoid a Ticket During Operation Safe Driver 2018
There are a number of things that commercial vehicle drivers and other motorists can do to avoid getting a ticket, or being involved in a serious truck accident, including the following:
- Review safety policies and procedures.
- Make sure that you have all of the necessary materials in your vehicle.
- Understand and follow your state’s policies regarding cell phone and mobile device usage plans.
- Obey the rules of the road, including wearing your seatbelt, following the speed limit, maintaining a safe following distance, and obeying posted traffic signals.
- Avoid drowsy driving. If you feel tired, take a break so that you feel rested and alert.
During last year’s Operation Safe Driver Week, law enforcement officials issued close to 60,000 citations and warnings to commercial motor vehicle drivers and passenger vehicle drivers. There were 38,878 citations issued to commercial vehicle drivers alone.
When truck drivers fail to practice safe driving habits, it can lead to devastating truck wrecks, which frequently involve serious, often fatal injuries.
Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Obtain Compensation for Victims of Truck Accidents
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a truck accident, do not hesitate to contact the Baltimore truck accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. Truck accidents can be particularly devastating for passenger vehicles and we will work tirelessly to secure the maximum financial compensation you deserve. Our dedicated and experienced team will protect your rights throughout the entire process. To set up a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent truck accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.
