Notice to Media

Arkansas Highway Police Participate in National Fleet Safety Survey

June 17, 1998 – The Arkansas Highway Police, recently participated in the "National Fleet Safety Survey" coordinated by the Federal Highway Administration’s Office of Motor Carriers, according to AHTD Director Dan Flowers.

The Highway Police, a Division of the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department, played an integral part of this nationwide enforcement event. The survey was held June 1-5 during International Highway Safety Week. Numerous state law enforcement agencies conducted safety inspections of commercial motor vehicles and drivers at specific locations during the week.

Included in the inspection procedure for trucks were checks of brakes, lighting equipment, frame and suspension integrity, and inspection of other required safety equipment. Drivers were checked for compliance with maximum hours of driving time limits, proof of medical examinations, use of seat belts and other required documents.

Highway Police officers inspected 403 trucks and drivers during this enforcement event. 570 violations of motor carrier safety regulations were detected. As a result of the inspections, 75 trucks and 14 drivers were placed in "out of service" status. Of the trucks taken "out of service," 28% were transporting hazardous materials. When a truck is placed in "out of service" status, repairs must be made before the truck may proceed. These drivers must be in compliance with the required hours of rest and have proper documentation before they can continue their trip.

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