Since 2007, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance has sponsored a week-long event aimed at reducing the number of roadway accidents involving commercial trucks. During Operation Safe Driver Week 2016, which was held in October, truck drivers received more than 11,000 citations or warnings for unsafe driving behavior. After collecting data from about 3,000 law enforcement officials in West Virginia and throughout the U.S. and parts of Canada, the CVSA found that moving violations and speeding were the most common citations given to truck drivers.

Speeding is considered by the organization to be an ‘unsafe driving behavior” that can lead to truck accidents. The CVSA’s 2016 campaign focused on reducing speeding and other unsafe driving habits. Speeding violations accounted for 19.6 percent of citations given, according to the report. Conversely, nearly twice as many passenger vehicle drivers — 39.4 percent — were cited for speeding.

Data also indicates that truck drivers were cited less often for seat belt violations than passenger vehicle drivers. Just over 7 percent of the total citations were issued for failure to use a seat belt while operating a CMV. More than 11 percent of the passenger vehicle drivers received a citation or warning for not buckling up. Overall, the CVSA is optimistic about the recorded numbers, which were down from the 13,807 citations given in 2015.

While the number of citations issued to semi truck drivers during Operation Safe Driver declined in 2016, the possibility of truck accidents is still a real concern for West Virginia drivers. No matter if a roadway collision is caused by truck driver fatigue, negligence or defective auto parts, serious injuries or even death can occur. Those who have been injured in a crash with a semi truck or commercial vehicle may wish to consult with a personal injury lawyer to discuss their options.