This year’s campaign will focus on reckless, careless, and dangerous driving. According to CVSA, officers will stop commercial and passenger vehicles observed committing unsafe driving violations, with drivers receiving warnings or citations based on the circumstances.

While reckless driving is the primary emphasis, enforcement won’t be limited to a single violation. Speeding, distracted driving, following too closely, unsafe lane changes, impaired driving, seat belt violations, and failure to obey traffic control devices remain common reasons drivers are stopped during the annual campaign.

The enforcement effort typically results in thousands of roadside contacts. During last year’s Operation Safe Driver Week, officers across the U.S. and Canada stopped 8,739 vehicles, issuing 1,839 citations and 3,230 warnings to commercial drivers. Passenger vehicle drivers received an additional 665 citations and 345 warnings.

Unlike the International Roadcheck, which concentrates on vehicle inspections and regulatory compliance, Operation Safe Driver Week focuses on driver behavior. For professional drivers, that means enforcement can occur anywhere along a route—not just at weigh stations or inspection sites.

Operation Safe Driver Week begins Sunday, July 12, and continues through Saturday, July 18.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: July 10, 2026

Source: Truckers News

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The annual enforcement initiative applies to both commercial motor vehicle drivers and passenger vehicle drivers. During the week, law enforcement will be watching for unsafe driving behaviors such as speeding, distracted driving, following too closely, fatigued or drowsy driving, unsafe lane changes, impaired driving, failure to wear a seat belt, and disregarding traffic signals.

This year’s focus is on reckless, careless, or dangerous driving.

What Officers Will Be Watching For

Operation Safe Driver Week is focused on driver behavior on the road. CVSA said reckless driving involves operating a vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of people or property. Careless or dangerous driving involves operating without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for others on the road.

For truck drivers, that means common moving violations may draw additional attention throughout the week, especially behavior that appears aggressive, rushed, distracted, or unsafe in traffic.

States Flagged for Higher Moving Violation Shares

Overdrive, citing RigDig analysis of federal data, reported that moving violations recorded on inspection reports still account for a relatively small percentage of total violations nationwide. That share increased from just over 6% in 2023 to almost 8% in 2025.

The same analysis found that some states had much higher shares of moving violations on inspection reports. Delaware, Indiana, Georgia, and West Virginia were listed among the highest, with moving violations making up more than 20% of inspection report violations in those states.

That does not mean enforcement will only be concentrated in those states during Operation Safe Driver Week. The campaign is conducted across North America, but drivers who regularly run those states may want to be especially aware of speed, lane changes, following distance, and other moving violations during the July enforcement period.

What Happened During Last Year’s Campaign

During 2025 Operation Safe Driver Week, more than 8,700 vehicles were pulled over. Officers issued more than 2,500 tickets or citations and more than 3,500 warnings for unsafe driving infractions.

Commercial motor vehicle drivers received 3,230 warnings and 1,839 tickets or citations. Passenger vehicle drivers received 345 warnings and 665 tickets or citations.

Although the campaign applies to both cars and trucks, those 2025 numbers show commercial drivers accounted for most of the warnings and citations issued during last year’s initiative.

What Drivers Should Keep in Mind Before July 12

Operation Safe Driver Week is not a vehicle inspection event, but a traffic stop can still create problems for a driver if unsafe driving behavior is observed.

Before the campaign begins, drivers may want to pay closer attention to:

speed changes near work zones, towns, and metro areas
following distance in heavy traffic
lane changes near exits, merges, and construction zones
phone use or other distractions
seat belt use
fatigue after delays, early starts, or overnight schedules

The weeklong effort is meant to combine enforcement, education, and driver interaction with law enforcement. CVSA said driver-related behaviors are largely preventable, making them a key focus for reducing crashes, injuries, and deaths on the road.

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last Updated: June 29, 2026

Source: Overdrive

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The 2026 initiative is scheduled for July 12 through July 18 and will involve law enforcement agencies throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico focusing on unsafe driving behavior involving both commercial vehicles and passenger traffic.

Drivers stopped during the campaign could receive warnings or citations depending on the violation observed by enforcement officers.

This Year’s Campaign Focuses on Reckless Driving

CVSA said reckless, careless, and dangerous driving behavior will be the primary focus during this year’s enforcement period.

The organization describes reckless driving as operating a vehicle with disregard for the safety of people or property. Careless driving generally refers to driving without proper attention or consideration for surrounding traffic conditions.

Enforcement personnel may target violations involving:

Speeding
Distracted driving
Following too closely
Unsafe lane changes
Fatigued driving
Impaired driving
Seat belt violations
Ignoring traffic signals

For truck drivers, the campaign often leads to heavier enforcement visibility along major freight routes, urban bottlenecks, construction zones, and interstate corridors carrying heavy summer traffic.

Passenger vehicle behavior around trucks also remains a major concern during these campaigns. Sudden merges, aggressive passing, distracted driving, and unsafe following distance continue to create problems for commercial drivers trying to maintain safe stopping space in dense traffic.

Summer Traffic Usually Creates More Pressure on Drivers

Operation Safe Driver Week arrives during one of the busiest travel stretches of the year. Vacation traffic, road construction, seasonal congestion, and tighter delivery schedules can all increase pressure behind the wheel during midsummer runs.

Many experienced truck drivers already adjust their driving habits during large enforcement campaigns by slowing down earlier in congestion, increasing following distance, and avoiding unnecessary lane changes around heavy traffic clusters.

The campaign is not limited strictly to ticketing activity. CVSA said education and public awareness also remain major parts of the initiative. The organization distributes roadway safety materials aimed at both commercial drivers and passenger vehicle traffic to encourage safer driving habits overall.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 36,640 people died in traffic crashes across the United States during 2025. CVSA said reducing unsafe driver behavior remains one of the most effective ways to improve roadway safety and lower crash totals.

For many truck drivers, Operation Safe Driver Week serves as another reminder that staying patient, leaving extra space, and avoiding rushed decisions usually matters far more than trying to gain a few extra minutes during a run.

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information drivers can use.

Last updated: May 18, 2026

Source: The Trucker

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During this week, law enforcement across the United States and Canada will focus on how vehicles are being operated on the road. Commercial drivers and passenger vehicle drivers observed committing unsafe behaviors can be pulled over and issued a warning or a citation.

What Drivers Will See on the Road

Operation Safe Driver Week centers on real-time driving behavior. Officers will be positioned across highways, urban areas, and high traffic routes, watching for violations that increase crash risk.

Speeding, distracted driving, following too closely, unsafe lane changes, and failure to obey traffic signals remain consistent triggers for enforcement. Seatbelt violations, impaired driving, and signs of fatigue are also part of the focus. Drivers should expect increased patrol visibility throughout the week.

How Last Year’s Enforcement Played Out

In 2025, law enforcement personnel in the United States and Canada pulled over 8,739 vehicles during Operation Safe Driver Week. Those stops resulted in 2,504 citations and 3,575 warnings for unsafe driving behaviors.

These results show how frequently enforcement shifts from observation to direct action during targeted campaigns.

Why This Week Matters for Truck Drivers

Unlike inspection-focused events, this initiative targets behavior behind the wheel. That makes it more immediate for drivers operating under tight schedules and changing road conditions.

Driver-related actions are considered preventable, which is why enforcement agencies continue to prioritize them. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 36,640 people were killed in traffic crashes in the United States in 2025. Data from Transport Canada shows an average of about 2,000 motor vehicle fatalities annually, while Mexico reported 15,979 roadway deaths in 2022.

These figures continue to shape enforcement priorities across North America.

2026 Enforcement Focus

This year’s focus is on reckless, careless, or dangerous driving. Enforcement will center on behaviors that show a lack of control or attention behind the wheel.

Reckless driving involves willful disregard for safety. Careless or dangerous driving refers to operating without proper attention or consideration for others on the road. For commercial drivers, these violations can affect safety scores, employer records, and future opportunities.

What Drivers Should Keep in Mind

As enforcement increases, consistency in how the vehicle is operated becomes the deciding factor. Following distance, speed control, lane discipline, and attention behind the wheel are the same behaviors that determine whether a driver is stopped.

Drivers who stay disciplined in these areas are less likely to be pulled over during targeted enforcement efforts like Operation Safe Driver Week.

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last updated May 5, 2026

Source: Truckers News

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Scheduled for July 13-19, this week-long observance is packed with educational campaigns, outreach, and enforcement efforts spanning the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It highlights the shared responsibility of drivers, fleet operators, and equipment manufacturers to foster safety and save lives.

Prioritizing the Human Element in Road Safety

Advancements in vehicle technology have transformed the transportation industry. However, as Nicole Oreskovic, vice president of sales and marketing at Bendix, emphasizes, some things remain unchanged.

“Having a well-trained, attentive driver in control of the vehicle is the most important factor in commercial vehicle safety,” Oreskovic states. She adds, “That’s why Bendix develops the technologies and educational tools that help drivers perform at their best – while reinforcing the fact that nothing replaces the responsibility and judgment of the person behind the wheel.”

This perspective reinforces Operation Safe Driver Week’s mission to inspire safe driving habits and raise awareness about behaviors like speeding, distracted driving, and improper seat belt usage.

The Urgency of Safer Roads

The statistics paint a sobering reality. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), large trucks were involved in around 536,424 police-reported crashes in the U.S. during 2022. These incidents caused approximately 160,608 injuries and claimed 5,936 lives. These numbers drive home the critical importance of cultivating safer habits and leveraging technology to reduce risks.

“Driving a commercial vehicle today means navigating some unpredictable roads, shifting traffic conditions, and constant distractions,” says TJ Thomas, Bendix’s director of marketing and customer solutions.

While advanced safety systems can make a meaningful difference during critical moments, Thomas clarifies they are not a replacement for the human driver. As he explains, “Bendix safety technologies complement safe driving practices. No commercial vehicle safety technology replaces a skilled, alert driver exercising safe driving techniques and proactive, comprehensive driver training. Responsibility for the safe operation of the vehicle remains with the driver at all times.”

Empowering Drivers Through Knowledge and Tools

Sophisticated safety systems such as Bendix Fusion and Bendix ESP (Electronic Stability Program) integrate advanced sensors and automated responses to reduce accident risks. However, for these tools to be effective, drivers need to fully understand their capabilities and limitations.

“That’s why Bendix places so much emphasis on education and awareness,” the company notes. Through resources like the “Truck Talk with Bendix” podcast and its popular YouTube channel, Bendix ensures drivers have access to in-depth training materials. These channels include the exclusive “Driver Insight Series,” which deepens understanding of technologies, offering tips on how to use them effectively in real-world scenarios.

Thomas encourages drivers to familiarize themselves with their vehicle’s operator’s manual. “Technologies like Fusion are tools to help drivers improve safety,” he states. “Drivers should always review the operator’s manual to understand what features are included, how they work, and their limitations. That understanding is essential to help build driver confidence as they better understand how ADAS complements safe driving practices.”

Additionally, Bendix supports fleet training programs with extensive resources, supplemental materials, and expert guidance. Their goal is to empower drivers with the skills and knowledge required to work in tandem with emerging technologies safely.

Supporting Vehicle Safety With Technician Training

Of course, ensuring vehicle safety isn’t solely about the driver’s behavior—it also involves maintaining commercial vehicles to the highest standards. Bendix offers robust technical support and training to help fleet maintenance teams stay ahead of evolving systems.

“With over two decades of expertise, Bendix Brake School remains one of the industry’s top hands-on training programs,” says Brian Screeton, manager of technical training and service at Bendix. “Whether through in-person classes, virtual modules, or interactive resources, we strive to educate technicians and assist fleets of all sizes.”

Accessible Resources for Maintenance Teams

Bendix’s efforts extend beyond the classroom, offering an expansive online platform for 24/7 learning. The Bendix On-Line Brake School now boasts over 200,000 registered users and includes more than 100 courses covering maintenance and safety system troubleshooting.

Additional resources are readily available through their centralized hub, B2Bendix.com. Here, technicians can access service manuals, installation guides, and custom training designed for fleet-specific needs. For on-demand technical clarification, the Bendix Tech Team hotline – 1-800-AIR-BRAKE (1-800-247-2725) – ensures professionals always have access to expert advice.

“Our goal has always been clear,” shares Screeton. “Providing safe vehicles starts with knowledgeable people. Whether it’s a two-truck fleet or a national operation, we’re here with technical insight and support that helps keep drivers – and everyone else on the road – safer.”

Working Toward Safer Roads, Together

Through its support of Operation Safe Driver Week and ongoing commitment to educational outreach, Bendix exemplifies the teamwork needed to make roadways safer. By combining advanced technology, comprehensive driver training, and robust vehicle maintenance programs, Bendix contributes to a shared vision of reduced roadway risks.

This week, as enforcement efforts across North America remind us of the stakes, there’s no better time to commit to safer driving habits, develop driver skills, and ensure our vehicles are in optimal condition. Together, we can make every road a safer one.

Image Source: Bendix
Source: The Trucker

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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

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During Operation Safe Driver Week, a coordinated initiative focused on promoting safer roads, law enforcement in the U.S. and Canada issued more than 4,000 citations and warnings to commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operators. The campaign, which ran from July 7-13, also led to nearly 2,000 similar violations being issued to passenger vehicle drivers.

This initiative aimed at curbing unsafe behaviors had officers recording 2,439 warnings and 1,583 citations for CMV drivers. Passenger vehicle operators received 789 warnings and 1,129 citations/tickets for their driving practices.

The priority for this year’s campaign was addressing reckless, careless, and dangerous driving. A total of 31 citations and five warnings were issued for such offenses. Reckless driving is defined as operating a vehicle with a willful disregard for the safety of others or property, while careless or dangerous driving involves failing to exercise due attention or consideration for others on the road.

Speeding Tops the List of Infractions

Speed-related offenses were the most frequently cited violations during the safety initiative. Across both commercial and passenger vehicles, 1,694 warnings and 1,226 citations were issued. Specifically:

• CMV drivers accounted for 1,221 warnings and 502 citations.

• Passenger vehicle drivers received 473 warnings and 724 citations.

This underscores the significant role of speeding in creating hazardous road conditions.

Seat Belt Non-Compliance a Common Offense Among CMV Drivers

Failure to wear a seat belt emerged as another major issue during the enforcement week. A total of 354 warnings and 554 citations were issued, most of which were directed at truck drivers:

• CMV drivers received 328 warnings and 473 citations for not wearing seat belts.

• According to the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), approximately 14% of CMV operators fail to use seat belts, highlighting the persistent non-compliance within the trucking industry.

Operation Safe Driver Week serves as a critical effort to increase awareness and accountability around unsafe driving behaviors, helping to create safer roads for everyone.

Source: Commercial Carrier Journal

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During Operation Safe Driver Week, law enforcement personnel will be vigilantly monitoring both commercial motor vehicle drivers and passenger vehicle drivers for unsafe driving behaviors. This includes actions such as speeding, distracted driving, following too closely, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Drivers caught engaging in these dangerous behaviors may be stopped by law enforcement and could receive a warning or citation.

This year, the spotlight is on reckless, careless, or dangerous driving. Reckless driving is defined as operating a vehicle in a manner that shows willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. Careless or dangerous driving, on the other hand, refers to driving without due care and attention or reasonable consideration for other road users.

Operation Safe Driver Week is a key component of CVSA’s Operation Safe Driver Program, which provides valuable resources for teen drivers, new drivers, and commercial motor vehicle operators. The program also offers public service announcement videos on safe driving, which are available for download and distribution.

State, provincial, territorial, and local law enforcement sectors, in collaboration with the motor carrier industry, the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Transport Canada, and Mexico’s Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation, are collectively striving to reduce traffic accidents, injuries, and fatalities throughout North America.

Stay safe and drive responsibly this week and beyond!

Source: Truckers News

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To help alleviate some of those concerns, the CVSA is organizing a webinar on Wednesday, May 15, at 12 p.m. Central Daylight Time, aiming to equip drivers for the Safe Driver Week event scheduled for July 7-13.

To participate in the webinar and register, please click here.

This year’s Safe Driver Week will concentrate on tackling reckless, careless, and dangerous driving behaviors.

Throughout Operation Safe Driver Week, law enforcement agencies across Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. will be watching for both commercial motor vehicle drivers and passenger vehicle drivers exhibiting unsafe driving habits. These include speeding, distracted driving, tailgating, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and more.

Drivers found engaging in any type of unsafe behavior may be pulled over by law enforcement officers and issued a warning or citation.

“Any person who drives a vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is driving recklessly,” a CVSA news release stated. “Careless/dangerous driving is defined as operating a vehicle without due care and attention or reasonable consideration for other motorists or people on the road.”

As the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has highlighted, effective communication and outreach efforts are critical components of successful transportation safety initiatives.

“However, communications and outreach programs are unlikely to have an effect unless they are tied to vigorous enforcement,” according to the news release. “Operation Safe Driver Week aims to improve the safety of our roadways through proactive driver safety outreach and education and by addressing unsafe driving behaviors through responsive traffic enforcement when drivers are identified engaging in dangerous driving behaviors on our roadways.”

Source: The Trucker

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In Canada and the U.S., law enforcement officers conducted 11,448 traffic stops during the week, targeting both commercial motor vehicle drivers and passenger vehicle drivers engaging in unsafe behavior.

The officers issued a total of 4,494 tickets and 5,756 warnings to drivers of both types of vehicles. Specifically, commercial motor vehicle drivers received 2,634 tickets and 4,592 warnings, while passenger vehicle drivers received 1,860 tickets and 1,164 warnings.

One of the major violations identified during Operation Safe Driver Week was speeding, the primary focus of this year’s campaign. Truck drivers received the most warnings for this offense, and it was also the second most common reason for issuing tickets.

A total of 2,219 warnings and 2,024 citations were issued for speeding. Commercial motor vehicle drivers received 1,594 warnings and 731 tickets for speeding, while passenger vehicle drivers received 625 warnings and 1,293 citations.

Additionally, drivers were also warned or ticketed for “other state/local driver violations,” which accounted for the most tickets among commercial motor vehicle drivers and the second most among passenger vehicle drivers. These violations encompass issues like lack of registration certificate, no proof of insurance, size and weight violations, and defective equipment. Often, officers uncover these violations when pulling drivers over for another offense.

Failure to wear a seatbelt was another common unsafe behavior. A total of 512 warnings and 553 tickets were issued for this violation. Commercial vehicle drivers received 455 warnings and 467 tickets for not wearing their seatbelt.

Commercial motor vehicle drivers also received 156 warnings and 132 tickets for texting or using a handheld device while operating their vehicles.

Source: CCJ Digital

Chart: CVSA

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