Operation Safe Driver Targets CMV, Non CMV Drivers

Campaign Seeks to Educate, Enforce, Change Aggressive Driving Behaviors

WASHINGTON, Oct. 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In an effort to address the twelve percent of fatal crashes on highways involving trucks and buses, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), in partnership with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), is launching a new campaign concentrating on the unsafe driving practices of commercial and non-commercial drivers. The effort, dubbed "Operation Safe Driver," is intended to improve commercial and non-commercial driver behavior and performance through effective enforcement, education and awareness strategies. The program will occur October 21-28, 2007 across North America.

"Research has shown that most fatal crashes stem from decisions or actions made by the driver -- passenger vehicle drivers as well as commercial operators," said John H. Hill, administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. "All drivers need to remember that the responsibility for driving safely is literally in your hands."

The objectives of the campaign are to:

-- 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.

"Through Operation Safe Driver, CVSA and our partners in law enforcement aim 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 Stephen F. Campbell, CVSA's Executive Director. "Improving highway safety for commercial vehicle operations starts with the driver and focusing attention on the importance of safe driving and proper driving techniques are critical to making our highways safer. In addition, the motor carrier industry plays an important role and we encourage them to implement proactive steps to ensure their drivers are well rested, buckle up and do proper trip planning to make it to their destinations safely."

"It is important to share the road responsibly with other vehicles, including commercial motor vehicles. 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 Christopher J. Murphy, Chairman of the Governors Highway Safety Association.

CVSA is an international not-for-profit organization comprised of local, state, provincial, territorial and federal motor carrier safety officials and industry representatives from the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Our mission is to promote commercial motor vehicle safety and security by providing leadership to enforcement, industry and policy makers. In addition, CVSA has several hundred associate members who are committed to helping the Alliance achieve its goals; uniformity, compatibility and reciprocity of commercial vehicle inspections, and enforcement activities throughout North America by individuals dedicated to highway safety and security. For more on CVSA visit www.cvsa.org.