UPDATE: LANSING - Each year, more than thirty-six thousand people die as a result of vehicle collisions. Many of these are due to the driving practices of commercial and non-commercial drivers. Because of this, the Michigan State Police spend a week each year focusing on the dangerous driving behaviors of commercial vehicle drivers.

Officer Mike Morey, of the Michigan State Police, explained the types of violations on which Operation Safe Driver focuses, "Speeding violations, following too close, unsafe lane changes, swerving, erratic driving...medical cards are either not carried or expired. Their log book's not current, or improper form and manner."

Still, other infractions are the responsibility of the vehicle owners, and Officer Morey explains how the drivers are not to blame, "If they got some bald tires or maybe the speedometer's not working they've got some lights out that they're known to the carrier. It's the carrier's job and responsibility to make sure all that stuff is fixed."

Though blame for many violations can be placed on the carrier, Officer Morey said that driving is the focus of the operation and that safety through awareness is the reason for the operation, not ticketing,

The intent of Operation Safe Driver is to bring awareness to the personal responsibility to drive safely and respectfully. This responsibility lies with every driver, not just those of commercial vehicles.

ORIGINAL STORY: LANSING - The Michigan State Police recently spent a week cracking down on driving violations for commercial vehicles as part of Operation Safe Driver. Watch the next Beyond the Badge to see more.