June 3, 2004

East Lansing.  The 17th Annual International Roadcheck is scheduled for June 8-10, 2004.  This international commercial vehicle inspection effort involves commercial vehicle inspectors from the United States, Canada and Mexico.  Officers from the Michigan State Police Motor Carrier Division join over 9,000 local, state and federal truck and bus inspectors in this international enforcement effort.

During Roadcheck 2003, 55,784 inspections were conducted nationally during the 72-hour event.  The 2003 operation resulted in a 43.5% increase in inspections over the results from 2002.  Over 22% of the vehicles inspected were placed out of service for equipment violations, and 5% of the drivers were placed out of service.  In addition, some 200,000 of educational brochures relating to security awareness and hazardous materials safety were distributed last year.

In Michigan, 1,324 inspections were conducted during Roadcheck 2003 at 35 different inspections locations.  These inspections resulted in 297 vehicles and 66 drivers being placed out-of-service.  In 2002, 895 inspections were conducted, with 154 vehicles and 64 drivers placed out of service.

Michigan weigh stations on major routes will be open for the entire event and special operations will be conducted at certain bridges and rest areas.  This year, officers will focus on homeland security issues, seat belt usage, 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.

Read more press releases from the Michigan State Police.