Charleston, W.V. – The West Virginia Trucking Association (WVTA) announced today their recognition and participation in in the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) Operation Safe Driver Week, which will be held October 18-24. During this week, law enforcement agencies throughout the country will engage in heightened traffic safety enforcement and education aimed at unsafe driving behaviors by both commercial motor vehicle drivers and car drivers.

“Safety on our highways is our number one priority,” said Jan Vineyard, president of the West Virginia Trucking Association. “We practice and preach safe driving techniques to our commercial drivers on a daily basis and Operation Safe Driver Week allows us to reinforce that message with not only our members but also the public. Education is just as important as enforcement when it comes to developing safe driving habits.”

During the CVSA’s Operation Safe Drive Week, activities will be held across the United States with the goal of increasing commercial and non-commercial vehicle traffic enforcement, safety belt enforcement, driver roadside inspections and driver regulatory compliance. In addition, law enforcement and transportation safety officials will offer educational and awareness safety programs to the motor carrier population and the motoring public.

“There are six very simple things that you can do while you’re behind the wheel that could possibly save your life,” Vineyard added. Those include:

•    Buckle Up: Safety belts reduce the risk of fatal injury by 45% and are a simple way to increase your safety on the road.
•    Slow Down: Obey posted speed limits. When highway congestion is high, speeding becomes even more dangerous. Allow plenty of space between you and other vehicles.
•    Don’t Drive Impaired: Never get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle when you’re under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Remember buzzed driving is drunk driving.
•    Do Not Cut in Front of Large Trucks: Remember that large trucks are heavier and take longer to make a complete stop, so avoid cutting quickly in front of them.
•    Be Aware of Truck Blind Spots: When sharing the road with tractor-trailers, be aware of their blind spots. If you can’t see the driver in his or her mirrors, the truck driver can’t see you.
•    Keep Your Eyes on the Road: Distracted driving is a major cause of traffic accidents. Even just two seconds of distraction time doubles the chances of an accident. Do not text or use your cell phone while driving, no excuses.

Operation Safe Driver Week is sponsored by the CVSA, in partnership with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration with support from industry and transportation safety organizations. It aims to help improve the behavior of all drivers operating in an unsafe manner – either by or around commercial vehicles – and to initiate educational and enforcement strategies to address those exhibiting high-risk behaviors.