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Trucks line the Umatilla Port of Entry parking lot.
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Safety focus of ODOT truck inspection event along I-5 and U.S. 97
Aug. 13, 2007
Oregon Department of Transportation Motor Carrier Transportation Division inspectors are conducting an inspection initiative this week at weigh stations and ports of entry along Interstate 5 and U.S. 97. Inspectors are checking commercial vehicle drivers’ logbooks and qualifications to make sure they are complying with federal and state 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 David McKane, ODOT Motor Carrier Investigations, Safety and Federal Programs manager.
In a recent safety inspection event along Interstate 84 and Interstate 82, ODOT inspectors placed 329 drivers, almost of quarter of those inspected, out of service. The most common type of violations included inaccurate logbooks and driving too many hours without a break.
Drivers that are well rested are more attentive and less likely to crash. Federal and state regulations seek to prevent driver fatigue by controlling the number of consecutive hours drivers can spend behind the wheel without stopping to rest.
“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.”
ODOT’s law enforcement partners including Oregon State Police will be supporting the inspection effort with targeted traffic patrols.
In 2006, there were 1,402 truck crashes in Oregon that involved a fatality, injury or disabling damage to a vehicle. Of these crashes, 751 or about 54 percent were considered to be truck-at-fault.
“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 McKane.
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