July 9-15 is the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s annual Operation Safe Driver Week. Throughout the week, law enforcement officers are extra aware of commercial motor vehicle and passenger vehicle drivers partaking in unsafe driving.  

Some examples of unsafe driver behaviors include speeding, improper lane changes or passing, driving while under the influence of either drugs or alcohol, using a phone while driving, and failing to use a seatbelt.  

Each year the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance focuses on a specific unsafe driving behavior to educate drivers about all the dangers. For this year’s Operation Safe Driver Week, the focus is on speeding. 

Here are some crucial facts and statistics that highlight the severity of the problem: 

• Increased Risk of Accidents: Speeding increases the likelihood of an accident. Studies have shown that excessive speed is a contributing factor in approximately one-third of all fatal crashes. 
• Reduced Reaction Time: Higher speeds reduce your ability to react promptly to unexpected situations on the road. As your speed increases, your reaction time decreases, making it harder to avoid collisions or navigate through hazards. 
• Impact on Stopping Distance: The faster you drive, the longer your vehicle will come to a complete stop. An increased stopping distance puts you at a greater risk of rear-ending another vehicle or being unable to stop in time to avoid an obstacle. 
• Severity of Injuries: The force of a crash is directly related to the speed at which it occurs. Higher speeds lead to more severe injuries, making it vital to stay within the posted speed limits and adjust your speed according to road conditions. 
• Pedestrian Safety: Speeding poses a severe threat to pedestrians and cyclists. The impact of a collision with a pedestrian or cyclist at high speeds is far more likely to result in life-threatening injuries or fatalities. 
• Legal Consequences: Speeding violations can lead to various legal consequences, including fines, license suspensions, increased insurance premiums, and even criminal charges in cases of excessive speeding. 

We urge commercial drivers to consider these facts and commit to safer driving practices. Doing so can help create a safer environment for yourself, your passengers, and all road users. 

Remember, speed limits are not set arbitrarily and exist to protect everyone on the road. By driving responsibly and within the legal speed limits, you can significantly reduce the chances of accidents.

Contact Henderson Brothers’ Transportation Practice Group to learn more about adopting best practices for diver safety and cost control. 

Please note that the information contained in this posting is designed to provide general awareness in regard to the subject matter covered. It is not provided as legal, medical, or tax advice, nor is it intended to address all concerns in your workplace or for public health. No representation is made as to the sufficiency for your specific company’s needs. This post should be reviewed by your legal counsel or tax consultant before use.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]