CHP Turns Up Heat On Unsafe Truckers Statewide

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WHO:    California Highway Patrol

WHAT:   Statewide special enforcement effort targeting unsafe
        commercial trucks

WHEN:   Thursday, June 14, 2001, beginning at 6 a.m.

WHERE:  Statewide in areas identified as having truck-related 
        problems

WHY:    In response to an increase in truck-involved and
        truck-at-fault collisions statewide, CHP Commissioner Spike
        Helmick is launching an aggressive statewide enforcement
        effort. "A record number of commercial trucks are traveling on
        our roads and highways. The shortage of professional drivers
        has also led to a larger number of inexperienced drivers. We
        are very concerned about these factors and will do everything
        necessary to ensure the safety of the motoring public."

    The enforcement includes all eight CHP divisions and puts every available officer on the road and in the air focused on unsafe truckers. Fixed-wing aircraft will coordinate with ground patrol units to target top collision factors, including speeding, unsafe lane changes and turns, following too closely, stop sign and signal violations, DUI, and fatigue. Motorists will not escape the effort, as officers will also be on the lookout for drivers who maneuver unsafely around trucks.
    Truck-at-fault collisions are up 4 percent statewide from 10,918 in 1999 to 11,443 in 2000. Truck-at-fault fatal collisions are up 8.2 percent from 80 to 97 statewide.
    Media Note: Members of the media are invited to go on ride-alongs and fly-alongs during the enforcement effort. Contact the Office of Public Affairs or your CHP Division office to make arrangements. Flex your power! Do ALL YOU CAN TO CONSERVE