July 24, 2008

EAST LANSING. Commercial vehicle enforcement officers from Michigan, Indiana and Ohio joined together on July 16 to conduct an enforcement operation aimed at locating unsafe commercial vehicles and drivers, as well as unsafe hazardous material transportation practices.

Officers in all three states conducted a total of 919 commercial vehicle inspections, including 429 vehicles transporting hazardous materials. The initiative resulted in 1,384 equipment and/or driver violations and 342 hazardous material transportation violations.

Officers issued 209 traffic citations for a variety of violations including overweight vehicles, speeding, unqualified drivers and unsafe equipment. In addition, 107 vehicles and 27 drivers were placed out-of-service for serious violations.

"The Michigan State Police continues to be committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for the motoring public," said Captain Robert R. Powers, Jr., commander of the Michigan State Police Traffic Safety Division. "The number of violations documented during this enforcement period underscores the need for continued strict enforcement of safety regulations governing commercial vehicles."

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