THP Participates In Roadcheck 2007
NASHVILLE, Tenn., — The Tennessee Department of Safety is participating in Roadcheck 2007, a 72-hour commercial vehicle roadside inspection. The goals of Roadcheck 2007 are to increase commercial truck and bus safety and security and to reduce the number of crashes involving commercial trucks and motor vehicles. The event, which takes place simultaneously across North America, will run June 5-June 7.
During the 72-hour period, State Troopers will conduct round-the-clock roadside inspections at all nine weigh stations along Tennessee highways. Troopers will conduct Level I inspections on all trucks stopped with added emphasis on safety belt usage by commercial vehicle drivers. While the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) estimates only about 48% of truck drivers nationally adhere to the federal law requiring safety belt usage, the number of commercial vehicle drivers in Tennessee far exceeds the national average at 77%. Authorities contribute that increase to both stringent enforcement and increased education.
“Tennessee conducts a high number of commercial vehicle inspections on a regular basis, including the recent Operation S.T.O.P. which proved very successful,” stressed Department of Safety Commissioner David Mitchell. “We are pleased to participate in the National Roadcheck 2007 to help draw attention to the importance of these inspections for the good of public safety.”
In 2006, State Troopers conducted over 73,000 inspections resulting in 5,323 vehicles and 4,886 drivers being placed out-of-service.
“Commercial vehicle inspection is a priority of the Tennessee Highway Patrol, and inspections are an integral part of our enforcement” says THP Commander, Colonel Mike Walker. “Participation in Roadcheck 2007 is another reminder that Tennessee is serious about commercial vehicle enforcement and public safety.”
The major objective of Roadcheck 2007 is to remove unsafe commercial vehicle drivers and vehicles from the highways. Level 1 inspections are the most thorough and comprehensive inspections and involve all components of the commercial vehicle and driver documents.
The Tennessee Department of Safety (www.tennessee.gov/safety) is responsible for ensuring the safety and general welfare of the traveling public. The department’s general areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education and motorist services including the issuance of driver licenses. The department and its highly trained staff of Troopers are responsible for safety on more than 15,000 miles of state and federal highways.