Taking place January 13 – 15, the FMCSA and nationwide state law enforcement partners participated in Operation SafeDrive. The newfound three-day event is a high-visibility enforcement and education effort initiated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) who cooperated with law enforcement across 26 states as well as the District of Columbia. Targeted inspections resulted in nearly 2,000 unqualified drivers and commercial vehicles issued out-of-service notices.
Inspectors conducted these checks along high truck traffic areas and at locations known for safety risks, resulting in:
- 8,215 inspections
- 704 drivers placed out of service (including nearly 500 for English proficiency violations)
- 1,231 vehicles placed out of service
- 56 arrests (including DUI and illegal presence in the U.S.)
(Source)
Operation SafeDrive covered routes in D.C. and 26 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.
FMCSA Administrator Derek D. Barrs stated, “This operation is about safety. When drivers ignore the rules, operate without proper qualifications, or get behind the wheel impaired, they put all of our lives at risk. Operation SafeDRIVE demonstrates the value of focused enforcement and strong partnerships in removing these drivers and vehicles from our roads.”
Along with these safety efforts, we encourage drivers to buckle up, obey speed limits, slow down in work zones, avoid distractions, and keep their vehicles safe and compliant. Remember: safe driving protects everyone.
Photos courtesy of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
