HARRISBURG – State Police troopers and motor carrier enforcement officers inspected 2,597 commercial motor vehicles and placed 245 vehicles and 167 drivers out of service during Operation SAFE (Seatbelt And Fatigue Enforcement) Driver on May 20 and 21 announced State Police Commissioner Jeffrey B. Miller.
“More so than road conditions and vehicle performance, driver behavior is more likely to be the cause of crashes involving large trucks and other vehicles,” Miller said. “During Operation SAFE Driver, our officers focus enforcement on an examination of the commercial driver’s license, medical examiner’s certificate and waiver, if applicable, alcohol and drugs, driver’s record of duty status, hours of service, seat belt, and the driver’s vehicle inspection report.
Operation SAFE Driver resulted in the issuance of 1,535 traffic citations, including 197 citations and 68 written warnings for drivers not wearing their seatbelts.
“Nationally, only 65 percent of commercial vehicle drivers buckle up when they climb behind the wheel in comparison with 82 percent of the general driving population,” Miller reported. “During Operation SAFE Driver, our officers found that 88 percent of commercial drivers were wearing their seatbelts. I am very encouraged by this level of compliance.”
