During Roadcheck 2009, which ran from June 2 through June 4, Texas Department of Public (DPS) troopers inspected 7,316 commercial vehicles, a 25.6 percent increase from Roadcheck 2008.
During the three-day campaign, 7,316 commercial vehicles were inspected, and 1,636 of the vehicles (22.3 percent) and 202 of the drivers (2.7 percent) were found to have serious enough safety violations to be removed from service.
Last year, 1,435 vehicles and 178 drivers were placed out of service. Inspectors placed 125 drivers out of service for hours-of-service violations. Other violations ranged from false log violations to suspended, expired and cancelled licenses and having the improper endorsement.
Seven drivers were placed out of service for drug or alcohol violations. Troopers issued 12 tickets for seat belt violations.
Vehicle out-of-service violations included 953 trucks that needed a brake adjustment, 655 that had brake system problems, 245 that had tire or wheel problems and 272 that had light malfunctions.
DPS Commercial Vehicle Enforcement troopers, along with Highway Patrol troopers and other inspectors who have received specialized training in commercial vehicle inspection, stopped commercial vehicles to inspect safety equipment and check driver licenses, endorsements and log books. Troopers also looked for possible drug or alcohol use.
The annual Roadcheck program, which stretches from Mexico to Canada, is designed to reduce commercial vehicle highway fatalities through increased vehicle safety. The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, which sponsors Roadcheck, reports a significant decrease in the commercial vehicle crash rate in North America since the program’s start in 1988.
Vehicles passing inspection received a CVSA decal exempting the vehicle from inspection for a 90- day period, unless they have an obvious safety defect. Troopers issued 3,037 decals during Roadcheck 2009.
Source: Texas Department of Public Safety, www.txdps.state.tx.us
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