The New York State Department of Transportation is taking a high-tech approach for this year’s Operation Safe Driver Week, which runs July 13–19, 2025.
What's new: NYSDOT is using thermal drone technology to help inspectors quickly spot problems on commercial trucks, like bad brakes or flat tires, before they cause danger on the road.
- Officials shared thermal drone images of moving big rigs as part of the driver enforcement blitz.
- “Inspectors are using the latest in thermal drone technology to spot unsafe equipment like faulty brakes and flat tires before they become real hazards,” NYSDOT stated.
Operation Safe Driver Week: The week is an annual push across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, focusing on stopping risky driving by both professional and passenger vehicle drivers. Law enforcement is out in greater numbers, watching for things like speeding and distracted driving.
This new drone technology is being used right now during this year’s safety effort. No major incidents have been reported, but the week’s enforcement runs until July 19.