From July 12–18, 2026, law enforcement agencies across the United States, Canada and Mexico will participate in the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance's (CVSA) annual Operation Safe Driver Week. The weeklong initiative is designed to improve roadway safety through a combination of driver education, traffic enforcement and meaningful interactions between law enforcement and drivers. This year's campaign places a special emphasis on reckless, careless, and dangerous driving, highlighting the critical role driver behavior plays in preventing crashes and keeping our roads safe.
While the enforcement campaign lasts just one week, the importance of safe driving extends far beyond July. For organizations with transportation fleets, it's a good time to revisit safety programs, reinforce best practices and make sure drivers are prepared before they hit the road.
Driver Behavior Remains the Biggest Opportunity - Drivers who are observed committing these violations may receive a warning or citation, but the real goal is encouraging safer driving habits before risky behaviors lead to crashes or injuries.
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Following too closely
- Unsafe lane changes
- Fatigue or drowsy driving
- Impaired driving
- Failure to wear a seat belt
- Failure to obey traffic control devices
These Behaviors Endanger Everyone on the Road - Unsafe driving behaviors continue to contribute to thousands of preventable crashes every year. Here's a closer look at a few of the behaviors being targeted this year and why they matter.
Speeding - Speeding was a contributing factor in approximately 29% of all traffic fatalities, resulting in 11,288 deaths in 2024. Excessive speed reduces reaction time; increases stopping distance and makes crashes more severe. SLOW DOWN. Driving at a safe speed is one of the easiest ways to reduce crash risk and protect everyone on the road.
Distracted Driving - Distracted driving claimed 3,208 lives and injured more than 315,000 people in 2024. Whether it's a text message, adjusting your GPS or reaching for something in the cab, taking your eyes off the road, even for a few seconds can have life-changing consequences. IT CAN WAIT. Keep your focus on driving and eliminate unnecessary distractions.
Seat Belt Use - Nearly half (48%) of passenger vehicle occupants killed in crashes in 2024 were not wearing a seat belt. Wearing a seat belt remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce the risk of serious injury or death. CLICK IT. Buckling up only takes a few seconds and could save your life.
How Organizations with Transportation Fleets Can Prepare
- Inform drivers about Operation Safe Driver Week and this year's focus on reckless, careless, and dangerous driving.
- Reinforce company safety policies and FMCSA compliance expectations.
- Review telematics, driver scorecards, and recent roadside inspection trends to identify coaching opportunities.
- Provide refresher training on defensive driving, distraction awareness, and fatigue management.
- Review recent vehicle inspection findings and address recurring issues before they become violations.
- Encourage open conversations around safe driving and recognize drivers who consistently demonstrate safe behaviors.
Tips for Commercial Drivers
- Buckle Up: Your seat belt is your first line of defense in a crash.
- Stay Focused: Put distractions away and keep your attention on the road.
- Obey Traffic Laws: Follow posted speed limits and traffic control devices.
- Maintain a Safe Following Distance: Leave enough space to react to changing traffic conditions.
- Conduct Thorough Pre- and Post-Trip Inspections: A few extra minutes can help prevent roadside violations and improve vehicle safety.
- Stay Alert: Watch changes in weather, work zones, and traffic patterns.
- Drive Defensively: Anticipate the actions of other motorists and always make safety your top priority.
Looking Beyond Operation Safe Driver Week
Operation Safe Driver Week is a great reminder that safety isn't something fleets focus on for just one week each year. The habits drivers build, the training they receive, and the commitment organizations make to continuous improvement all play a role in creating a stronger safety culture.
When everyone shares that responsibility, the result is safer drivers, safer fleets, and safer roads for all.
