THP Participates in “Operation Safe Student”
Thursday, May 07, 2009 | 08:09am
FMCSA National Passenger Carrier Strike Force Enforcement
NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) will join forces with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to ensure passenger carriers such as school buses and motorcoaches are operating safely and in compliance with federal and state regulations on our state’s highways. Beginning May 8, 2009, and continuing through May 21, 2009, the THP Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division will participate in “Operation Safe Student”, which is part of the FMCSA’s National Passenger Carrier Strike Force aimed at strengthening motor carrier passenger safety.
“Removing unsafe drivers and vehicles from Tennessee roadways is an enforcement activity we take very seriously,” stated Department of Safety Commissioner Dave Mitchell. “This is the time of year when the transportation of children to school field trip activities increases and we want to make sure these young passengers are safe.”
In addition to removing unsafe drivers and vehicles from roadways, State Troopers will be identifying poor performing motorcoach and commercial vehicle carriers for compliance reviews. Roadside inspections and other enforcement activities will capture data critical to monitoring and identifying high risk carriers.
THP Enforcement activities for the 2009 National Passenger Carrier Strike Force “Operation Safe Student” campaign will include:
- Terminal Inspections of Motorcoach Carriers.
- Compliance Reviews of Motorcoach Carriers.
- Site Inspections of School Buses at Point-of-Destination Sites.
- Driver-Vehicle Safety Level 1-3 Inspections.
- Outreach—Safety Education presentations to Motorcoach and commercial vehicle industry.
In 2008, preliminary statistics indicate the number of large truck-related fatalities declined to 91 from 156 in 2007.
“Reducing the number of crashes involving commercial trucks and buses is a top priority,” stated THP Colonel Mike Walker. “We are encouraged by the significant reduction in truck-related fatalities in Tennessee, and I commend the continued hard work of our Troopers to ensure the safety of our state’s roadways.”
In 2008, THP Troopers conducted 68,087 commercial vehicle inspections, placed 5,261 commercial vehicles Out-of-Service and placed 4,151 commercial vehicle drivers Out-of-Service.
The Tennessee Department of Safety’s mission is (www.tennessee.gov/safety) to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.