Nashville, Tennessee --- Working toward the goal of improved highway safety, the Tennessee Department of Safety (TDOS) will participate in Roadcheck 2004, a 72-hour inspection event aimed at increasing the safety of commercial vehicle traffic on the roadways.

TDOS Commissioner Fred Phillips and Tennessee Highway Patrol Colonel Lynn Pitts will kick-off the initiative by joining officials from the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance and Arkansas State Police on the Interstate 40 bridge that connects Tennessee and Arkansas on Tuesday, June 8 at 11 a.m. CDT. In addition, Annette Sandberg the Chief Administrator with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration will speak to the importance of the Roadcheck event.

During the 72-hour period from June 8 -10, officers with the department's Commercial Vehicle Enforcement division will conduct round-the-clock roadside inspections at each of the five weigh stations along Tennessee's highways. Officers will emphasize the inspection of cargo tanks, intermodal equipment as well as the use of safety belts.

"Commercial vehicle enforcement is a highly important, and daily, aspect of the department's efforts to increase the safety and security for motorists traveling throughout the state," said TDOS Commissioner Fred Phillips. "Our officers continuously conduct roadside inspections of trucks and buses to ensure commercial drivers are operating safely and their equipment is in proper working condition."

During last year's Roadcheck event in Tennessee officers inspected 655 commercial vehicles, which resulted in 103 vehicles and 58 drivers being placed out of service.

"We know that by combining enforcement with education we have a greater impact on highway safety, said THP Colonel Lynn Pitts. "Roadcheck 2004 provides us with another opportunity to practice this and let the commercial vehicle industry know that safety is achieved through properly maintaining equipment, adequately training drivers and always practicing safe driving habits."

The Tennessee Department of Safety's mission is (www.tn.gov/safety) to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.