September 18, 2006

East Lansing - Approximately 75 officers, troopers and inspectors from four states joined together recently to conduct a three-day enforcement operation aimed at unsafe commercial vehicles and drivers who operate along the shared borders of Ohio, Michigan, Indiana and Illinois. 

During the operation, which began on September 11, officers from the Michigan State Police (MSP), Indiana State Police, Ohio State Highway Patrol and Illinois State Police stopped over 1,500 vehicles and conducted 1,400 commercial vehicle (CMV) inspections, resulting in 1,020 equipment violations and 489 driver violations. 

Capt. Robert R. Powers, Jr., commander of the MSP Motor Carrier Division stressed the importance of partnering with neighboring states to work toward crash reduction and to promote public safety and security.  He said, “It is important to leverage our resources as efficiently as possible to ensure a safe and secure environment for the motoring public.  Working cooperatively with our partners from adjacent states allows us to more effectively address the traffic safety issues we have in common. “

Of the vehicles inspected, 16 percent (230 vehicles) were placed out-of-service for serious violations.  Eight percent of drivers (115 drivers) were also placed out-of-service. 

Officers issued 691 traffic citations for a variety of violations including unsafe equipment, overweight vehicles, speeding and driver qualification.  A total of 409 verbal warnings were also issued. 

Powers added, “The number of violations documented during this enforcement period underscores the need for continued strict enforcement of safety regulations governing commercial vehicles.”   

In addition to equipment, driver and traffic violations, officers also confiscated five shipments of contaminated food and made eight arrests for operating vehicles on the roadway with dyed-fuel.  Dyed fuel is untaxed, making it illegal to use in a motor vehicle that is operated on a public road.   

Additional joint efforts will occur in the future to encourage drivers and companies to maintain compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, which enhance the safety of all drivers and reduce highway deaths.