Week-Long Operation Safe Driver Campaign Set to Kick-Off

 

NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Department of Safety (TDOS) joins the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in a week-long campaign to curb unsafe driving practices that lead to commercial vehicle crashes.

 

The effort, dubbed “Operation Safe Driver,” is intended to improve commercial and non-commercial driver behavior through effective enforcement, education and awareness strategies. The national public awareness and enforcement campaign runs October 18-24, 2009.

 

Department of Safety Commissioner Dave Mitchell stated, “Outreach efforts to commercial carriers and industry groups like the “Operation Safe Driver” campaign, along with improved enforcement of traffic around commercial vehicles, have contributed to a significant drop in Tennessee fatalities involving large trucks.”

 

In 2008, the number of traffic fatalities in large truck related crashes in Tennessee fell 35 percent to 97 from 149 in 2007. The number of large truck occupants killed in crashes also plummeted, falling 46 percent to 19 in 2008 from 35 in 2007. 

 

“The THP is a dedicated partner in efforts to take enforcement action against unsafe and fatigued commercial drivers and non-commercial drivers operating in an unsafe manner around commercial vehicles,” said Colonel Mike Walker. “During the week of October 18-24, State Troopers across Tennessee will emphasize enforcement activity of commercial vehicle traffic, as well as non-commercial vehicle traffic to include aggressive driving behavior by motorists around commercial vehicles. Safety belt usage enforcement and roadside inspections will also be utilized to reduce commercial vehicle crashes and injuries.”  

 

“Drivers of passenger vehicles need to understand how commercial motor vehicles operate and know their limitations.” said Captain Dereck Stewart who oversees THP’s Commercial Vehicle Enforcement. “Sharing the road responsibly will mean safer drivers and fewer deaths and injuries on our nation’s roadways.”

 

National statistics show about twelve percent of fatal crashes on highways involve trucks and buses. Research has shown that most fatal crashes stem from decisions or actions made by the driver—passenger vehicle drivers, as well as commercial operators. 

 

 

·         Increase commercial vehicle traffic enforcement activity;

·         Increase non-commercial vehicle traffic enforcement activity;

·         Increase safety belt enforcement activity;

·         Increase driver roadside inspections;

·         Increase driver regulatory compliance;

·         Implement commercial driver educational and awareness programs to the motor carrier population; and,

·         Increase the awareness to the motoring public about safe operations around commercial motor vehicles.

 

For more information on CVSA, visit www.cvsa.org

Or contact: Steve Keppler 202-775-1623, Ext. 106