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Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) Enforcement Officers are performing continuous inspections of commercial motor vehicles and their drivers for three consecutive days as a part of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) 72 hour International Roadcheck June 6-8.
“We’re proud to participate in this year’s Roadcheck efforts to ensure the safety of Mississippi’s traveling public,” said Transportation Commissioner Tom King. “During this marathon of inspections, a special emphasis is being placed on safe cargo securement. These efforts further the goal of MDOT’s Office of Enforcement to reduce crashes, injuries and fatalities on Mississippi highways.”
Since its inception in 1988, roadside inspections conducted during Roadcheck have numbered over 1.5 million, resulting in an estimated 318 lives saved and 5,840 injuries avoided. It also provides an opportunity to educate industry and the general public about the importance of safe commercial vehicle operations and the roadside inspection program. The Roadcheck, which is underway throughout North America, includes several sites in Mississippi with locations in Southaven, Olive Branch, Iuka, Corinth, Fulton, Meridian, Moss Point, Bay Saint Louis, Picayune, McComb and Vicksburg.
“Last year, MDOT Officers inspected 1,604 vehicles as a part of the 72 hour Roadcheck during which 342vehicles were placed out of service until repairs were made,” said Chief Willie Huff, MDOT enforcement director. “During this 72 hour period, with nearly 17 trucks or buses inspected every minute in Canada, the United States and Mexico, the Roadcheck is the largest targeted enforcement program on commercial motor vehicles in the world.”
The Roadcheck consists of a 37-step procedure that involves an examination of both the driver and vehicle. Drivers are asked to provide specific documentation and checked for seat belt usage and the use of alcohol or drugs. Officers inspect items such as the braking system, coupling devices, exhaust system, frame, fuel system, lights, safe loading, steering mechanism, suspension, tires, windshield wipers and emergency exits on buses, among other things.
“MDOT has zero tolerance for unsafe commercial truck and bus drivers,” said Commander Michael Forman. “Participating in an event such as this helps keep Mississippi’s roads, along with those traveling on them, that much safer.”
Throughout 2016, MDOT Enforcement Officers performed a total of 48,413 inspections statewide. Thanks to these inspections, 6,669 vehicles were put out of service for violations, further preventing crashes and potential fatalities on Mississippi highways. 8,571 fines were issued totaling $2.4 million collected in fines throughout the year.
MDOT’s Office of Enforcement is responsible for enforcing commercial vehicle safety regulations set forth by both federal and state laws, ensuring the safety of commercial motor vehicles and the general public traveling Mississippi highways. MDOT Enforcement Officers also issue permits for overweight and oversized loads in order to keep Mississippi roads and bridges safe while facilitating economic growth and development across the state.
To learn more about International Roadcheck, visit http://www.cvsa.org/programs/int_roadcheck.
