Federal statistics show that driver errors contribute to approximately 94% of all traffic accidents in New Jersey and elsewhere. In order to cut down on crash-related injuries and deaths, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance sponsors Operation Safe Driver Week each year.
During the 2019 campaign, which was conducted from July 14-20, law enforcement officers across North America issued 46,752 citations to drivers of commercial and passenger vehicles. Speeding was the focus of this year’s event, and officers issued 17,556 citations for exceeding the posted speed limit. Of those citations, 1,454 were issued to commercial operators, including truck drivers. Another 2,126 commercial drivers received warnings for speeding.
Other common citations for commercial drivers included failure to wear a seat belt, which accounted for 954 citations and 586 warnings, and failure to obey a traffic control device, which accounted for 426 citations and 871 warnings. Commercial drivers were also cited for using a handheld cell phone while behind the wheel, making improper lane changes, following too closely, possession or use of a controlled substance, improper passing, reckless driving and operating a commercial vehicle while fatigued or ill. CVSA partners with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to conduct Operation Safe Driver Week.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that speeding has played a role in over 25% of all traffic fatalities since 2008. New Jersey residents who are injured in speed-related truck crashes or other types of motor vehicle collisions might need the help of a personal injury attorney. By gathering police reports and other evidence, the attorney might be able to prove that the other driver was responsible for the victim’s injuries. As a result, a court may award a settlement that pays for the victim’s pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages and property loss.