MDOT Participates in 72 Hour International Roadcheck

Pictured (from left) is: Sergeant Richard “Kevin” Lawson and Major Roderick Goode inspecting vehicles in Vicksburg.

JACKSON, Miss. (Press Release) — Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) Law Enforcement officers performed inspections day and night during the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) 72 hour International Roadcheck that began on June 3. Inspectors checked commercial motor vehicles and their drivers at inspection sites along several Mississippi highways.

During the three-day event, a special emphasis was placed on hazardous materials and dangerous goods. The Roadcheck took place at several sites in Mississippi located in Southaven, Olive Branch, Iuka, Corinth, Fulton, Meridian, Moss Point, Bay Saint Louis, Picayune, McComb and Vicksburg.

The Roadcheck consists of a 37-step procedure that includes an examination of both the driver and vehicle. Drivers were asked to provide specific items, checked for seat belt usage and the use of alcohol and/or drugs. The vehicle inspection includes inspecting several various items such as the braking system, coupling devices, exhaust system, frame, fuel system, lights, safe loading, sterring mechanism, suspension, tires and windshields.

MDOT Officers inspected 1,523 vehicles during the 72 hour period. Due to safety violations, 281 vehicles were placed out of service until repairs were made. Of the 20 motor coaches inspected, five were placed out of service and 34 drivers were placed out of service for logbook or other paperwork violations.

“MDOT is proud to participate in in this year’s Roadcheck efforts and help reinforce zero tolerance for unsafe commercial truck and bus drivers,” said Chief Willie Huff of MDOT’s Enforcement Division. “Our number one priority is safety, and participating in an event such as this helps keep Mississippi’s roads that much safer.”

In 1988, Roadcheck was created to highlight the importance of commercial motor vehicle (CMV) safety, conduct CMV safety enforcement, educate drivers and motor carriers, and collect inspection data for year to year comparisons. Since its inception, Roadcheck inspections have numbered over 1.3 million, resulting in an estimated 301 lives saved and 5,530 injuries avoided.

To learn more about International Roadcheck, visit http://www.cvsa.org/programs/int_roadcheck.