June 4, 2003

East Lansing - The 16^th Annual International Roadcheck kicked-off yesterday with an opening ceremony at the Ambassador Bridge in Detroit. This international commercial vehicle inspection effort, held June 3 – 5, 2003, involves commercial vehicle inspectors from the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Officers from the Michigan State Police Motor Carrier Division join approximately 9,000 local, state and federal truck and bus inspectors in this international enforcement effort.

During Roadcheck 2002, almost 50,000 drivers and vehicles were inspected nationally during the 72-hour event. Both drivers and vehicles showed a decrease in out-of-service rates compared to previous years. In addition, some 200,000 pieces of educational literature on security awareness and hazardous materials safety were distributed last year.

In Michigan, weigh stations on major routes will be open for the entire event, as well as special operations at certain bridges and in rest areas. During last year’s operation, the Motor Carrier Division inspected 895 vehicles, placing 154 vehicles and 64 drivers out of service.

This year, officers will focus on homeland security issues, driver qualifications, traffic enforcement and contraband seizure. Officers will be located at various strategic locations throughout the state.

"This operation gives us a ‘snapshot’ of the trucking industry as to how they’re doing on safety, and seeks to increase awareness with the general public on truck safety issues," said Captain Robert R. Powers, Jr., Motor Carrier Division Commander.

Approximately three million commercial vehicle inspections are conducted annually throughout all of North America.