Tips For CMV Drivers

Law enforcement agencies in the U.S., Canada and Mexico will be keeping an extra-close eye out for risky drivers during the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) Operation Safe Driver Week, which is scheduled for July 10-16.

While the focus of this year’s enforcement blitz is speeding, officers will also be watching for commercial and passenger vehicle drivers engaging in other dangerous driving behaviors, including distracted driving, following too closely, improper lane change, and impaired driving.

As you may recall, speeding is the same focus as last year’s Operation Safe Driver Week. During that event, 11,039 citations and 5,478 warnings were issued for speeding/basic speed law/driving too fast for conditions. Of those, 1,690 citations and 2,549 warnings were issued to commercial drivers.

Sadly, speeding continues to play a major role in traffic accidents on the nation’s roadways. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHSTA) latest annual traffic crash report, which was released in March, the total miles drivers traveled nationwide in 2020 decreased by 11%, likely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, speed-related fatalities increased by 17% that year.

With so many drivers not seeming to grasp the tragic consequences of speeding, it’s up to the professionals to set the example on the road. Here are some tips to avoid speeding:

• Make sure you are well rested before you get behind the wheel. When you’re tired, you’re more likely to have poor speed control and impaired judgment.

• Plan your route with spare travel time. If you’re running late, don’t try to “make up time.” Rather, stay within the speed limit, and reach your destination with as little risk as possible.

• Avoid letting emotions dictate the way you drive. Stress and anger often cause drivers to speed, so make sure that you’re in the mood to drive before getting behind the wheel.

• Stay aware of the posted speed limit, and watch for signs alerting you of reduced speed limits ahead. Adjust your driving as weather, light and roadway conditions change.

• Pay attention to your speed. Occasional, quick glances at your speedometer will help keep you in check. If you suspect that your speedometer is not accurate, have it inspected by a mechanic.

• Remember that your on-the-road performance and compliance impacts your employer’s safety records, as well as your own. Violations related to the Unsafe Driving BASIC, including speeding, adversely affect Safety Measurement System results for 24 months and may prioritize your company for a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration intervention.

Please note: While cruise control allows drivers to maintain a set speed, some studies have shown that its use decreases situational awareness and response times, and increases the likelihood of becoming fatigued at the wheel.

With drivers’ actions contributing to a staggering 94% of all traffic crashes, it’s important to be aware of your driving habits and correct any dangerous behaviors that may creep in, not only during Operation Safe Driver Week, but all year long. You spend a good part of your life on the road…make sure you’re doing so safely.

Owner Operator Direct provides top notch commercial trucking insurance to owner operators, whether operating with authority or as leased drivers. For a no-obligation quote, give us a ring at 800-499-1044 (Monday-Friday 9-5 pm ET) or answer some questions online and we'll email you one.