Each year the Department of Transportation sponsors an annual road check event where certified inspectors at over 2000 locations check over 70,000 commercial vehicles for safety and driver violations.
The program is working. And last year's data proves that claim. After checking over 70,000 commercial vehicles at the compliance rate was 80.4% the highest on record. Additionally drivers compliance rate was approximately 96%, in other words less than 4% of the commercial drivers checked were out of compliance.
The success of road check is a testament to what we can do to protect the public with sensible regulations and enforcement of those regulations. Although, truck drivers were aware of the road check program it still serves a valuable purpose.
Many people have advocated a road check system to prevent drunk driving accdents. While the legality of that is subject to much debate, no one can argue with the successes if such a program was implemented.
The overall purpose of the DOT program is to urge drivers to make sure their rigs are maintained in a safe condition, seat belts buckled and eyes and minds on the road. There is no doubt that truckers serve a vital and important role in our economy and society.
Greg Baumgartner is a Texas truck accident lawyer and the founder of the Baumgartner law firm, which is dedicated to helping victims of 18 wheeler accidents seek civil justice.
