WASHINGTON, D.C. – A concentrated enforcement effort over 26 states and Washington D.C. resulted in what the U.S. Department of Transportation said was the removal of “nearly 2,000 unqualified drivers,” as well as 56 arrests for DUI and illegal presence in the U.S.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy issued a press release stating that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and state law enforcement partnered to execute what it said was “the first wave of Operation SafeDRIVE, a high-visibility, multi-state enforcement and education effort focused on reducing dangerous driving behaviors, ensuring drivers are properly qualified, and addressing unsafe drivers and vehicles on the nation’s roadways.”
During the three-day effort from Jan. 13-15, FMCSA inspectors and law enforcement partners in 26 states and the District of Columbia carried out targeted enforcement actions along major freight corridors and other high-risk locations that resulted in nearly 2,000 unqualified truckers and vehicles being removed from American roads.
These activities also resulted in:
- 8,215 inspections
- 704 drivers placed out of service (including nearly 500 for English proficiency violations)
- 1,231 vehicles placed out of service
- 56 arrests (including DUI and illegal presence in the U.S.)
“Operation SafeDRIVE shows what happens when we work together with our law enforcement partners to pull unqualified drivers and vehicles off American roads,” Duffy said. “We need a whole-of-government approach to ensure the Trump Administration’s strong standards of safety are in place to protect American families and reduce road accidents.”
“This operation was about safety,” said FMCSA Administrator Derek D. Barrs. “When drivers ignore the rules, operate without proper qualifications, or get behind the wheel impaired, they put all of our lives at risk. Operation SafeDRIVE demonstrates the value of focused enforcement and strong partnerships in removing these drivers and vehicles from our roads.”
TA Vice President of Safety Policy Brenna Lyles issued a statement following the U.S. Department of Transportation’s announcement.
“For safety laws to work, they must be enforced. Thanks to federal leadership, state partnership, and the critical work of law enforcement officers, Operation SafeDRIVE has made our highways safer by taking unqualified and potentially unsafe drivers and vehicles off the road. ATA looks forward to continued partnership with Secretary Duffy, FMCSA Administrator Barrs, and law enforcement across the nation to ensure safety laws are enforced evenly and consistently.”
Bruce Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has lived in three states including Arkansas, Missouri and Georgia. During his nearly 20-year career, Bruce has served as managing editor and sports editor for numerous publications. He and his wife, Dana, who is also a journalist, are based in Carrollton, Georgia.
I so happy that this is not being ignored any longer long time coming….great job
Finally someone doing something right!
Absolutely, I agree its a long time coming. I just had a Level 2 inspection in Texas a week ago and passed. As an American Tucker of 20 plus years, these blitz campaigns are very much needed, now more than ever. Hats off to our Brave Men and Women of Law Enforcement and especially to the Awesome American Trucker. Without us, American stops.
dont mean to sound negative .2000 is really the tip of,the ice berg..but thank you.. also what about the trucks being operated ,dispatched owned and tagged from other countries????? how is this legal??? and if it then that law should be changed.
USA Commercial Truck Drivers need a National Drivers Union.
This would increase safety by only having union drivers on the Nations Highways, union training, union driving schools, etc.
This would be a great time to implement this.