July inspection puts nearly 300 Oregon drivers out of service for safety violations

An inspector with the Oregon DOT checks a driver’s logbook and credentials.

The Trucker News Services

8/10/2007

SALEM, Ore. — More than 23 percent of commercial vehicle drivers inspected by the Oregon Department of Transportation during a five-day inspection at the end of July were placed out of service for safety violations.

The inspection event was held at weigh stations and ports-of-entry along Interstate 84 and Interstate 82 July 22-26.

ODOT inspectors checked drivers’ logbooks and qualifications to make sure they were complying with federal and state regulations.

“The purpose … was to prevent crashes and to help drivers ensure they are getting enough rest to safely operate their vehicles,” said David McKane, ODOT motor carrier investigations, safety and federal programs manager.

During the event, inspectors also handed out brochures on driver fatigue, safety belts and other safety issues.

“Many drivers, including commercial vehicle drivers, are unaware of how fatigue can affect their ability to safely drive,” said McKane. “Fatigue slows reaction time, decreases awareness and impairs judgment. It can definitely increase the risk of a crash.”

Preliminary results indicate more than 1,200 inspections were completed at seven sites. About one quarter of the inspections resulted in a driver being placed out of service. The national driver out-of-service rate is 7 percent. Final results will be posted on the agency’s Web site, www.oregon.gov/ODOT/MCT/.

In 2006, there were 1,402 truck crashes in Oregon that involved a fatality, injury or disabling damage to a vehicle. Of these crashes, about 54 percent were considered to be truck-at-fault, ODOT reported.

“The Oregon Department of Transportation’s number one priority is safety,” said Gregg Dal Ponte, ODOT Motor Carrier Division administrator. “Our performance measures tell us with certainty there is a statistical correlation between safety inspections and reducing crashes.”

ODOT’s law enforcement partners, including Oregon State Police, supported the inspection effort with targeted traffic patrols. In addition, local law enforcement officers assisted with inspections at several locations.

ODOT’s Motor Carrier Transportation Division will conduct similar inspection initiatives along other Oregon highways in the upcoming months. Some time in August on Interstate 5 and U.S. 97 ODOT will do another inspection focusing on logbooks and Hours of Service compliance.

After that, inspections will be held every other month through the rest of the year, a department spokesman told The Trucker.