CVSA Safe Driver Week 2026: Curb Careless Driving

Stay and compliant on the road with these 7 safety tips

A truck driver in a blue vest and hat buckles his seat belt while sitting in the cab of a semi-truck.

It’s time to put your best driving habits into action. The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) Operation Safe Driver Week is July 12–18, 2026. Law enforcement officers will issue a citation or warning to any driver engaged in reckless, careless or dangerous driving. What’s the difference?

  • Reckless driving involves driving in willful disregard for the safety of yourself, other people or property.
  • Careless or dangerous driving involves operating a vehicle without reasonable consideration for other motorists or people on the road.

More than 1,800 commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers received citations during last year’s Safe Driver Week, and more than 3,200 received warnings. Stay on the right side of the law this year with these safe driving behaviors.

1. Follow the Posted Speed Limits

Speeding was the top reason CMV drivers received citations and warnings during Safe Driver Week 2025. Drive at or below posted limits, especially in highway work zones and high-traffic corridors, and adjust your speed based on weather conditions. Remember that speed kills: Speeding was a factor in almost 30% of traffic fatalities in 2024 alone.

2. Wear Your Seat Belt

Buckling in is the simplest and best way drivers can protect themselves. Yet 14% of CMV drivers don’t wear seat belts. That decision could cost you. Seat belt violations were the second most common citation during last year’s Safe Driver Week.

3. Don’t Drive Distracted

Distracted driving claimed more than 3,200 lives in 2024. Stay focused on the road and avoid unsafe behaviors such as eating or programming your GPS while driving. Remember, using a handheld device while driving a truck is a violation of federal law.

4. Watch Your Following Distance

Leave at least 1 second for every 10 feet of vehicle length when driving 40 mph or slower. Increase the following distance in inclement weather, heavy traffic, or when driving faster than 40 mph. Doing so will give you plenty of room to react if the vehicle in front of you stops suddenly.

5. Don’t Drive While Drunk, Drugged or Drowsy

Drunk driving crashes claim 1 life every 44 minutes. Never climb behind the wheel after drinking alcohol. Avoid use of federally prohibited drugs, including marijuana. And get adequate sleep so you don’t drive drowsy.

6. Drive With Courtesy

Use your turn signal when changing lanes. Avoid dangerous behaviors, such as cutting in front of another driver and slowing down to “teach them a lesson.”

7. Obey Traffic Control Devices

Never run red lights, and obey all signs announcing low-clearance warnings, weight-restricted bridges and truck lane restrictions.

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