Department of Safety Releases Roadcheck 2007 Results

NASHVILLE, Tenn., — The Tennessee Department of Safety released results Monday from Tennessee’s 72-hour Commercial Vehicle inspection period dubbed Roadcheck 2007.

During the 72-hour period, Tennessee Highway Patrol Troopers inspected 413 Commercial vehicles at Tennessee’s nine weigh stations and at random points along the interstates.  During the Level 1 inspections, 59 commercial vehicles and 35 commercial drivers were placed out-of-service.  Level 1 inspections are the most thorough and comprehensive inspections and involve all components of the commercial vehicle and driver documents.

Troopers also found 5 Seat belt violations, 33 hours of service violations and 1 false log violation.
Inspectors also discovered one driver operating a vehicle with a suspended license.

Department of Safety Commissioner David Mitchell said, “I am very pleased with the Highway Patrol’s efforts during Roadcheck 2007.  Tennessee is a crossroads for large truck traffic from across the country.  The Department of Safety will continue to conduct a high number of commercial vehicle inspections to ensure commercial operators are obeying the law for the good of public safety.”

In 2006, State Troopers conducted over 73,000 inspections resulting in 5,323 vehicles and 4,886 drivers being placed out-of-service.

Tennessee Highway Patrol Colonel Mike Walker said, “Commercial vehicle inspection is a priority of the Tennessee Highway Patrol, and inspections are an integral part of our enforcement.  I am pleased with our work during Roadcheck 2007.”

The major objective of Roadcheck 2007 is to increase commercial truck and bus safety and security and to reduce the number of crashes involving commercial trucks and motor vehicles.  The 72-hour event took place simultaneously across North America from June 5-7.

The Tennessee Department of Safety (www.tennessee.gov/safety) is responsible for ensuring the safety and general welfare of the traveling public.  The department’s general areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education and motorist services including the issuance of driver licenses.  The department and its highly trained staff of Troopers are responsible for safety on more than 15,000 miles of state and federal highways.