Safe Driver Week 2026 Begins: Stay Prepared

On Sunday, July 12, Safe Driver Week, an initiative of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), officially began. Dedicated to traffic law enforcement and promoting safe driving practices, this annual campaign takes place across Canada, Mexico, and the United States to identify and address high-risk driving behaviors.

From July 12–17, law enforcement officers throughout North America will monitor both commercial and passenger vehicle drivers for unsafe behaviors, including:

• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Following too closely
• Improper lane changes
• Failure to wear a seat belt
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Fatigued driving
• Disobeying traffic control devices

Drivers caught engaging in any of these behaviors, or any other action that compromises roadway safety, may receive anything from a warning to a traffic citation.

Operation Safe Driver Week 2026

This year’s Operation Safe Driver Week places special emphasis on reckless, careless, and dangerous driving, with speeding and distracted driving identified as top enforcement priorities.

Violations issued during the campaign can affect how a motor carrier is rated in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Safety Measurement System (SMS). The SMS uses roadside inspection data, crash reports from the previous two years, and investigation results to identify motor carriers that may require additional monitoring or intervention. Traffic violations remain on a carrier’s record for 24 months.

In addition to enforcement efforts, the initiative provides an opportunity to educate drivers about safe driving practices and the consequences of risky behavior behind the wheel. The CVSA offers free educational videos and resources on safe driving for teen and inexperienced drivers, as well as professional commercial drivers, with the goal of promoting safer driving habits.

How to Prepare for Safe Driver Week

Preparation is essential for drivers to reduce risk, avoid traffic violations, and demonstrate professionalism during roadside inspections. The following recommendations can help ensure compliance and safe driving during Safe Driver Week and throughout the year:

• Maintain a following distance of at least 7 seconds.
• Use turn signals well in advance before changing lanes or making turns.
• Obey all posted speed limits.
• Avoid using mobile devices while driving.
• Always wear your seat belt, regardless of how short the trip may be.
• Take all required rest breaks and avoid driving while fatigued.
• Plan your route before beginning your trip.
• Conduct a thorough pre-trip vehicle inspection before heading out on the road.

In 2025, law enforcement officers in Canada and the United States stopped 8,739 vehicles, issuing 2,504 citations and 3,575 warnings for unsafe driving violations. Through Operation Safe Driver Week, the CVSA continues to raise awareness among commercial drivers about the importance of safe driving and remains committed to conducting this annual enforcement and education campaign.