Drivers across North America, take note: Operation Safe Driver Week is back this summer. From July 13 through July 19, law enforcement officers throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico will be on high alert, looking for reckless, careless, and dangerous driving behaviors as part of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) annual safety initiative.
Each year, the CVSA hosts this campaign to help improve how people drive—not just through enforcement, but by encouraging meaningful conversations between drivers and officers and spreading education where it matters most. This year’s focus? Reckless driving.
As CVSA puts it, reckless driving includes any action behind the wheel that shows “willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.” That means speeding, texting while driving, tailgating, or getting behind the wheel under the influence could land drivers in trouble. Expect everything from warnings to full citations if you’re caught making risky choices behind the wheel.
Why This Week Matters
The numbers tell a sobering story. In 2023 alone, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 40,901 traffic-related deaths in the U.S.—only a slight dip from 42,721 the year before. Canada saw 1,931 roadway fatalities in 2022, while Mexico reported a staggering 15,979 deaths that same year.
Operation Safe Driver Week is one way CVSA is working to improve those numbers. The initiative isn’t just about catching drivers in the act—it’s about preventing crashes from happening in the first place.
Enforcement Meets Education
Although enforcement is a major piece of the puzzle, this campaign is also rooted in public education. CVSA is rolling out tools and materials that reach drivers of all kinds—from those just learning to drive to seasoned professionals behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle. The organization also distributes public service announcements and downloadable resources to help spread key safety reminders far and wide.
Operation Safe Driver Week combines targeted enforcement with proactive outreach to help drivers slow down, stay focused, and make better decisions on the road.
How to Learn More
Drivers, fleet managers, and safety advocates can all take part in this effort. For educational materials, enforcement details, and downloadable resources to help raise awareness in your community, head over to the CVSA website.
Source: Commercial Carrier Journal
