Every year, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance holds an event called Operation Safe Driver Week as a way to deter both motor vehicle and CMV drivers from engaging in unsafe behaviors. Minnesota residents should know that this year’s event will be held from July 14 to 20 and will have a special focus on speeding.
Police will, of course, be on the lookout for any kind of unsafe driving, be it driving without a seat belt, making improper lane changes, ignoring traffic signals or texting behind the wheel. However, speeding is the top driver-related factor in all car and truck crashes, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s 2016 Large Truck and Bus Facts report. The CVSA says speeding has factored into nearly one-third of all car crash deaths for over the last 20 years.
Drivers who are stopped will be issued a warning or citation. During last year’s Operation Safe Driver Week, 51,000 law enforcement personnel across North America stopped 113,331 drivers and issued 57,405 citations. Of these citations, 18,817 were speeding-related; 16,909 passenger vehicles and 1,908 CMVs received this citation.
In a 2014 study, the CVSA found that increasing law enforcement does deter drivers. The “Click It or Ticket” program, for instance, has contributed to an 11% decline in motor vehicle crashes.
Those who believe they were the victims of a speeding driver may want to speak with a lawyer after recovering from the car accident. This state has a two-year statute of limitations on personal injury cases. By having a lawyer on their side, victims may more easily be able to gather proof against the negligent driver and strive for a reasonable settlement covering medical expenses, lost wages and other applicable losses. If negotiations fall through, the lawyer might take the case to court.