For more information, contact:
State Patrol Lt. Patricia Hansen, WisDOT/Division of State Patrol
(608) 266-0094, Patricia.Hansen@dot.wi.gov
Intensified traffic safety enforcement from Oct. 16 to 22
To prevent traffic crashes involving large trucks and other commercial motor vehicles, Wisconsin State Patrol motor carrier inspectors, along with their law enforcement partners throughout North America, will participate in Operation Safe Driver from Sunday, Oct. 16, to Saturday, Oct. 22.
Sponsored by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, the mission of Operation Safe Driver is to improve the behavior, habits and decision-making of commercial motor vehicle operators and all other motorists on the road through traffic safety law enforcement and education.
During Operation Safe Driver, State Patrol inspectors and other law enforcement officers will be cracking down on violations such as speeding, following too close, improper lane changes, failure to obey traffic signs and impaired driving by all motorists. Commercial motor vehicle operators will be checked for compliance with license requirements as well as regulations governing medical card and hours of service standards.
“Lives can be saved and injuries prevented by reducing irresponsible and dangerous driving behavior like speeding, tailgating and aggressive driving by all motorists as well as ensuring commercial motor vehicle operators are in compliance with all regulations,” says State Patrol Lt. Patricia Hansen of the Motor Carrier Enforcement Section.
A combination of effective law enforcement and safety education has helped improve commercial motor vehicle safety in Wisconsin during the last 10 years. In 2010, large truck crashes declined approximately 36 percent compared with 2000. Moreover, large-truck crash fatalities dropped from 112 in 2000 to 56 in 2010, which was a 50 percent reduction.
