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.”
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.
