The Texas Department of Public Safety inspected more than 8,000 commercial motor vehicles during a three-day inspection effort earlier this month as part of Roadcheck 2012.


DPS Commercial Vehicle Enforcement troopers, specially trained Highway Patrol troopers and civilian inspectors joined forces from June 5-7 during the annual inspection effort aimed at enhancing commercial motor vehicle safety.

Approximately 22% (1,763) of the 18-wheelers, buses and other commercial vehicles inspected were placed out of service for a variety of safety violations until appropriate repairs can be made. Issues with brakes, lighting and tires were the most common infractions that led to out of service violations.

Additionally, drivers were checked for compliance with state and federal laws, and 243 drivers were placed out of service. Among the violations were improper logging of duty time, driving over the maximum number of hours and failing to have the proper type of license for the vehicle being driven.

In all, DPS issued more than 2,600 citations and another 23,000 warnings.

The annual Roadcheck program, sponsored by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, is designed to reduce commercial vehicle highway fatalities through increased vehicle and driver safety, education and law enforcement activities throughout North America. National results of Roadcheck will be announced in conjunction with CVSA's Inspector's Championship and the ATA National Truck Driving Championships the first week in August.

DPS will also continue Operation Texas Thunder efforts throughout the year. This initiative consists of surge enforcement operations targeted in specific areas where unsafe trucks or buses may be operating and to crack down on aggressive driving around commercial vehicles.