Oregon DOT says inspection push reduces truck crashes
During a recent truck inspection operation, almost one third (27 percent) of drivers were placed out of service. That rate is consistent with inspection events at other locations in Oregon over the last few years, ODOT said, noting that the national driver out of service rate is about six percent.
The Trucker News Services
9/8/2010
SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Transportation says periodic, intensified truck inspection efforts appear to be paying off. Data from 2009 shows crashes involving commercial vehicles are down 28 percent over 2008, with truck-at-fault crashes down 26 percent. Truck crashes resulted in 32 percent fewer injuries and 15 percent fewer deaths in 2009, according to the department.
For the last several years, ODOT’s motor carrier division (MCTD) has aggressively targeted unsafe commercial drivers and vehicles with enhanced enforcement and education initiatives.
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One of the biggest efforts has been special safety inspection operations along the state’s busiest highways. During these operations, MCTD employees work together around the clock for three to five days, inspecting hundreds of trucks a day.
“Although employees perform this type of work every day, intensive inspection operations help reinforce the message that safety is our number one priority and help keep Oregonians safe,” said Howard Russell, Motor Carrier Safety Compliance Field manager.
During a recent multi-day event in central and eastern Oregon, almost 630 safety inspections were completed, according to ODOT. These inspections focused on commercial drivers and included checking drivers’ logbooks and qualifications to make sure they were complying with federal and state regulations, specifically, hours of service regulations. Under the regulations, drivers must take mandatory rest breaks after driving a specified number of hours.
“The purpose of this effort is to prevent crashes and to help drivers ensure they are getting enough rest to safely operate their vehicles,” said Russell.
During the inspection operation, almost one third (27 percent) of drivers were placed out of service. That rate is consistent with inspection events at other locations in Oregon over the last few years, ODOT said, noting that the national driver out of service rate is about six percent. Placing a driver out of service means he or she cannot drive until they take a mandatory rest break or correct other safety violations.
ODOT’s commercial vehicle safety inspections are not random. Using several sorting tools, including weigh station records, safety records, and information in national databases, employees scrutinize the vehicle and driver. Driver behavior is carefully observed as the vehicle proceeds through the weigh station. Drivers who look inattentive or fatigued are routinely selected for an inspection. During the inspection, the driver is interviewed and supporting documentation is reviewed to verify the driver’s logbook.
“It takes teamwork to make these inspection events successful,” said Russell. “Without information from our registration, OD permits, audit and enforcement sections we wouldn’t have the data we need.”
In the last six months, ODOT has conducted five of these special operations, completing more than 2,000 inspections and placing almost a third of drivers out of service for logbook, hours of service or other violations.
“Although the majority of trucks and drivers operating on Oregon’s highways are safe and professional, these inspections are important in helping identify those that are not and vital in helping keep Oregonians safe,” said Russell.
Kevin Jones of The Trucker staff can be reached for comment at kevinj@thetrucker.com.
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