Each year, speeding drivers injure thousands of people in New York and across the U.S. In fact, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Highway Loss Data Institute, excess speed has been a factor in over 25% of all deadly traffic accidents since 2008. In an effort to combat the problem, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance made speed the focus of its annual Operation Safe Driver Week campaign.
During the initiative, which was held July 14-20, law enforcement officers throughout North America cited 46,752 drivers of commercial and passenger vehicles for a variety of traffic offenses. Speeding was the top violation cited during the campaign, accounting for 17,556 citations and 21,001 warnings. Meanwhile, failure to a wear a seat belt was the second most common violation cited, accounting for 2,748 total citations. Failure to obey a traffic control device was the third most common violation cited, accounting for 966 total citations.
Other citations issued to drivers of both commercial and passenger vehicles included texting or using a handheld cellphone, improper lane changes, following too closely, possession or use of drugs or alcohol while driving, improper passing and distracted or reckless driving. In addition, several commercial drivers were cited for operating a commercial motor vehicle while ill or fatigued. The Operation Safe Driver Week campaign was conducted with the assistance of the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
A personal injury attorney might be able to help New York residents who have been injured in truck accidents. Legal counsel could collect evidence showing the truck driver was legally responsible for the crash and file a lawsuit seeking compensation on the victim’s behalf for the losses that have been sustained.
