Operation Safe Driver Targets Commercial Vehicle Enforcement

Nashville, Tennessee —All this week, the Tennessee Department of Safety joins the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in a new campaign to curb unsafe driving practices that lead to commercial vehicle crashes.

The effort, dubbed “Operation Safe Driver” is intended to improved commercial and non-commercial driver behavior through effective enforcement, education and awareness strategies.  The national public awareness and enforcement campaign runs October 21-28, 2007.

Department of Safety Commissioner David Mitchell encourages Tennesseans and motorists traveling through the state with this simple message: “All drivers need to remember that the responsibility for driving safely is literally in your hands and that includes buckling up.”

“During the week, THP 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,” stressed Colonel Mike Walker. “Safety belt usage enforcement and roadside inspections will also be utilized to reduce commercial vehicle crashes and injuries.”

Statistics show 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.  In fact, in most commercial vehicle crashes involving a passenger vehicle, the four-wheeled vehicle typically contributes to the crash by cutting in front of the tractor trailer rig or following too closely.

The objectives of the week-long campaign are to:

“Through Operation Safe Driver, 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 drivers, and to raise the awareness of the motoring public about the hazards of operating around commercial vehicles,” said Captain Steve Binkley, who oversees Safety’s Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division.

Improving highway safety for commercial vehicle operations starts with the driver and focusing on the importance of safe driving techniques.  Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance Executive Director Stephen F. Campbell adds that “the motor carrier industry plays an important role and we encourage them to implement proactive steps to ensure their drivers are well rested, buckled up and utilizing proper trip planning to make it to their destinations safely.”

Drivers of passenger vehicles need to understand how commercial motor vehicles operate and know their limitations.  “Sharing the road responsibly will mean safer drivers and fewer deaths and injuries on our nation’s roadways,” said Kendell Poole, Director of the Governors Highway Safety Office.

For more information on CVSA, visit www.cvsa.org
Or contact: Steve Keppler 202-775-1623, Ext. 106