Notice to Media

Arkansas Highway Police Participate in International Motor Carrier Inspection Effort

LITTLE ROCK (6-9) – The Arkansas Highway Police recently participated in “International Road Check 2000” coordinated by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), according to Dan Flowers, Director of Highways and Transportation.

The 12^th annual event brings increased inspection activity and helps CVSA and its members focus attention on truck, bus and driver safety programs aimed at reducing the number of commercial vehicle crashes.

 The Highway Police, a division of the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department, played an integral part in this international enforcement effort.  State and provincial law enforcement agencies throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico conducted safety inspections of commercial motor vehicles and drivers at specific locations during a 72-hour period June 6-8.

 Included in the inspection procedure for the commercial motor vehicles were checks of brakes, lighting equipment, frame and suspension integrity, as well as inspection of other required safety equipment.  Drivers were checked for compliance with maximum limits for driving time, proof of medical examinations, use of seat belts and other requirements.

Highway Police officers conducted 605 inspections and detected 550 safety violations.  There were 63 vehicles with safety violations that required them to be put out of service until repairs were made.  A total of 51 drivers were identified with violations that required they be put out of service for periods of time ranging from eight to 24 hours.  It was also noted that 74 trucks and 23 semitrailers were inspected that had no violations and were issued CVSA decals identifying them as safe. 

 CVSA member agencies perform about two million commercial vehicle roadside inspections a year.  That number is expected to grow as traffic increases, according to Highway Police Chief Ron Burks.

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For Further Information Contact:

Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department
10324 Interstate 30, Little Rock, AR 72209
Tel: 501-569-2000
FAX: 501-569-2400
e-mail: info@arkansashighways.com