Statewide task force to inspect newly registered commercial motor vehicle companies' compliance with truck safety regulations

June 2, 2008

To ensure compliance with commercial motor vehicle safety regulations, a task force of state investigators in June will inspect approximately 100 truck companies in Wisconsin that are newly registered for interstate commerce. The investigators will review each company's safety procedures, including their alcohol and controlled substance testing programs for drivers.

"Using the expertise of the Wisconsin State Patrol Motor Carrier Enforcement Investigation Unit in partnership with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration staff, the task force audits of newly registered companies will augment efforts of law enforcement officers that focus on individual vehicles and drivers," says Bernard Coxhead, manager of Wisconsin State Patrol Motor Carrier Enforcement Investigation Unit. "This task force also will focus on those companies that show evidence of interstate commerce while being registered as an intrastate carrier. Previous task force compliance reviews have been used to improve school bus, motor coach and dump truck safety standards. Our audits of newly registered carriers and compliance reviews of established companies send a clear message about our commitment to safety statewide to drivers and commercial motor vehicle companies alike."

A combination of rigorous law enforcement, effective traffic safety education and compliance inspections has helped reduce large-truck crashes in Wisconsin during the last 10 years, according to Coxhead.

For more information, contact:
Bernard Coxhead, Wisconsin State Patrol Motor Carrier Enforcement Investigation Unit
(608) 261 5858, bernard.coxhead@dot.state.wi.us