Oregon is a tough hood :
Oregon inspectors show the way for logbook checks
One year ago the Motor Carrier News front page headline read, “Oregon puts drivers on notice about logbook checks.” At the time, Motor Carrier Transportation Division (MCTD) safety inspectors had just engaged in several special truck driver checks, with remarkable results. Large numbers of drivers were discovered driving after being on-duty 14 hours, driving more than 11 hours after 10 hours off, and holding logbooks that were not current, improperly completed, and/or falsified. Over four multi-day operations, inspectors checked 4,544 drivers and placed one of every four out-of-service for violations (25.4%). Oregon finished 2007 with an overall 14% driver out-of-service rate for the year, well above the 6.6% national rate.
This year’s experience looks like a repeat of last year. In six special exercises, inspectors checked 4,893 drivers and placed 24.5% out-of-service for logbook, hours-of-service, or other violations.
What makes these exercises so effective in identifying truck drivers with violations? According to Howard Russell, an MCTD safety manager in charge of five field offices around the state, there are plenty of violations to be found. “It appears that more drivers are running illegal more often,” Russell said. “Interviewed drivers indicate that some companies are pushing them very hard, maybe in reaction to decreased profit margins caused by high fuel prices. We regularly have drivers express gratitude for being caught and finally given a chance to rest.” Russell also notes that Oregon inspectors have several advantages.
Training — “We have the best training staff in North America,” Russell said. “New hires get superior hours-of-service instruction. Our trainers also travel the state teaching refresher courses that update experienced staff with new methods for gathering documents and data from drivers.” MCTD is responsible for training and certifying the more than 500 inspectors at work in Oregon today.
Experience — Oregon has years of experience conducting multi-day logbook checks. Russell says this quickly “elevates proficiency levels” in inspectors. “Also, mixing staff from all over the state provides opportunities for everyone to learn from each other,” he said. “Different inspectors develop different techniques for extracting information from drivers. When these ideas are shared, everyone improves.”
Tools — Oregon inspectors have access to DMV license suspension data and weigh station records for Oregon and several other states.
Strategies — Inspectors study traffic patterns by week and season to select ideal inspection locations and traffic direction. In the course of an operation focused on traffic in one direction, managers often switch directions to maximize the chance of catching over-hours drivers.
Ticket Aggressive Cars & Trucks -- TACT
Police issued citations to 34 car drivers and four truck drivers during a two-day enforcement exercise aimed at stopping aggressive driving around trucks. The Ticket Aggressive Cars and Trucks campaign, or TACT, focused this time on I-5 traffic near Salem and Albany. During the afternoon rush hours on September 30 and the morning rush hours on October 1, Oregon State Police (OSP), Marion County Sheriffs, and Salem Police patroled I-5 while other officers rode in trucks looking for drivers engaging in risky behavior like speeding, tailgating, and changing lanes unsafely. Officers in trucks were also helped above by OSP patrol aircraft and on the road by unmarked ADEP (Aggressive Driving Enforcement Plan) vehicles. Haney Truck Line, Charlie's Produce, Pepsi Northwest Beverages, and Cascade Express were participating trucking companies that provided trucks and drivers.
According to OSP Lieutenant Mark Cotter from the Albany Area Command office, twelve OSP troopers, three Marion County deputies, and one Salem police officer were involved in this TACT exercise. Officers issued citations to 34 car drivers and four truck drivers for violations including speed (14), following too close (9), unsafe/improper lane change (6), and failure to use seat belts (5). Twenty-one warnings were also issued. One driver was cited on I-5 Tuesday evening for going 103 mph in a 65 mph speed zone.
"This operation provided another great chance to partner with ODOT, area police agencies and the trucking industry," said Cotter. "Officers who rode in the trucks gained a new perspective as seen by commercial truck drivers and the time they spent together will pay off down the road."
During the week, people in the Salem and north Jefferson area started seeing public service announcements, posters, highway signs, brochures and more with TACT messages. One key TACT campaign message motorists will see over and over again is – LEAVE MORE SPACE.
In the last 10 years, 3 out of 4 people who died in these collisions were riding in the cars. In fact, in crashes involving a car and truck, the car occupants are 15 times more likely to be killed than truck occupants. Here are the key messages that the TACT campaign will emphasize:
* Don't cut off trucks. For safety sake, it's recommended that car drivers maintain one car length for every 10 miles per hour of speed.
* Don't tailgate. Unlike cars, trucks have large blind spots behind them. Also, car drivers who tailgate trucks can't see traffic ahead. If the truck brakes suddenly, the car driver has no time to react and no place to go.
* Allow trucks plenty of room. Both car and truck drivers must be especially careful when entering a highway or merging with traffic.
* Don't speed. Speed is the leading cause of all crashes in Oregon.
“Research shows that most truck vs. car crashes could be avoided if drivers knew how to steer clear of unsafe situations,” said McKane. “With this campaign, we hope to increase awareness, encourage safer driving practices, and make a positive change in the risky driving behaviors of motorists. All of which will lead to fewer crashes, fatalities and injuries on Oregon’s roadways.”
In May, motorists on Interstate 5 in the Portland area were the first to be introduced to TACT. That exercise brought a number of companies that volunteered trucks together with Clackamas County police to look for car and truck drivers doing dangerous things like speeding, tailgating, and changing lanes unsafely. During the five-day operation, police pulled over 362 drivers and issued 351 tickets and 97 warnings. The two most common violations were unlawful lane change and tailgating.
Source:
Motor Carrier Transportation Oregon Truck Safety