July Events and Safety Initiatives
The month of July highlights several important observances: Vehicle Theft Prevention Month, Operation Safe Driver Week, and the Fourth of July, which is known to be one of the most hazardous times for drivers. Continue reading below for tips on preventing vehicle theft, suggestions for celebrating Independence Day responsibly, and insights on how law enforcement agencies are working to create safer roadways for everyone!
July is Vehicle Theft Prevention Month
Vehicle theft represents a multi-billion-dollar industry in the United States, impacting millions of vehicle owners by compromising their security and mobility. Annually, it incurs costs exceeding $8 billion.
In 2024, over 850,700 vehicle thefts were reported, with the summer months witnessing the highest incidence rates. Alarmingly, estimates indicate that a vehicle is stolen approximately every 37 seconds.
Vehicle Theft Prevention Tips:
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Always park in well-lit locations.
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Ensure all windows and doors are closed and locked when leaving your vehicle.
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Conceal any valuables inside.
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Never leave your keys inside the vehicle.
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Avoid leaving the area while your vehicle is running.
Celebrating Independence Day Safely: A Reminder from NHTSA
As the nation marks Independence Day, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) urges drivers to be aware of the dangers of drinking and driving.
Each year, the Fourth of July holiday is one of the most dangerous times on the roads. In 2023, there were 617 fatalities in traffic crashes during this holiday period, with 38% (233) of those deaths resulting from drunk driving incidents.
Tips for Celebrating Safely:
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Drivers should be safe during this Independence Day holiday by planning ahead if they intend to drink. They shouldn’t wait until after drinking to plan how to get somewhere. Impairment clouds a person’s judgment. Drivers should secure a designated sober driver or call a taxi or rideshare for a sober ride home.
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If a driver finds they are unable to drive, they should give their keys to a sober driver so that person can get them home safely. When a friend has been drinking and is considering driving, friends should be proactive — take away the keys and help them get a sober ride home. If anyone spots a drunk driver, contact local law enforcement .
Remember: drive 100% sober, because Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.
Operation Safe Driver Week: Ensuring Safer Roadways
Operation Safe Driver Week, an annual initiative organized by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), is set to occur from July 13 to 19, 2025. This seven-day campaign aims to identify and mitigate unsafe driving behaviors among commercial drivers.
Throughout Operation Safe Driver Week, law enforcement agencies across North America typically enhance traffic safety enforcement, concentrating on the following unsafe driving practices:
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Aggressive or distracted driving
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Tailgating
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Improper lane changes
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Disregarding traffic control devices
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Not wearing seat belts
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Driving while fatigued or impaired
During Operation Safe Driver Week, law enforcement officers will actively monitor both commercial motor vehicle drivers and passenger vehicle drivers for dangerous driving behaviors. Those identified as unsafe will be pulled over and may receive a citation or a warning. Research indicates that traffic stops and interactions with law enforcement can effectively reduce risky driving habits. Through these engagements, law enforcement aims to enhance the safety of our roadways by focusing on high-risk driving behaviors.