State Patrol Out In Full Force For 'Operation Safe Driver Week'
DENVER (CBS4) - Drivers beware -- Colorado State Patrol is out in force all this week in an effort to lower fatalities in crashes involving trucks and buses, and at the same time increase safety.
Troopers are increasing enforcement as a part of Operation Safe Driver Week and handing out tickets to rule-breakers.
"We are trying to get people to understand that they need to operate safely," Col. Mark Savage with the Colorado State Patrol said.
Colorado State Patrol is joining forces with organizations like the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to put special emphasis on driving safely with large trucks and buses.
"Our agency was created for the sole purpose of reducing bus and truck crashes," Bill Bronrott with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration said.
In 2012 more than 4,100 people were killed in large truck and bus crashes on America's roadways, and troopers say most of those were preventable.
While the heightened enforcement only lasts for a while, troopers hope it builds better driving behavior all year long.
"Operating that 5,000-pound vehicle on the road is their No. 1 priority," Savage said.
Operation Safe Driver Week runs through Friday. In addition to enforcement safety, officials will also be offering education programs to the driving population.
