CHP Turns Up Heat On Unsafe Truckers

    SACRAMENTO, Calif.--June 14, 2001--In response to an increase in truck-related and truck-at-fault collisions statewide, CHP Commissioner Spike Helmick is launching an aggressive enforcement effort today targeting unsafe truckers. "A record number of commercial trucks are traveling on our roads and highways. The shortage of professional drivers has also led to a larger number of inexperienced drivers. We are very concerned about these factors and will do everything necessary to ensure the safety of the motoring public."
    The enforcement includes all eight CHP divisions and puts every available officer on the road and in the air focused on areas where truck-related problems have been identified. Fixed-wing aircraft will coordinate with ground patrol units to target top collision factors, including speeding, unsafe lane changes and turns, following too closely, stop sign and signal violations, DUI, and fatigue. Motorists will not escape the effort, as officers will also be on the lookout for drivers who maneuver unsafely around trucks.
    "Truckers are professional drivers with more training than the average motorist. They must do their part to reverse this trend," said Helmick. "On the same note, motorists must remember that sharing the road with an 80,000-pound vehicle requires drivers to be more alert. Trucks have larger blind spots and require a greater distance to stop safely. If everyone followed the law and drove with more caution and courtesy, I'm confident we would see a reduction in collisions."
    Statewide truck involved and truck-at-fault collisions are up 4 percent.

    Media Note: Members of the media are invited to go on ride-alongs and fly-alongs during the enforcement effort. Contact the Office of Public Affairs or your CHP Division office to make arrangements.
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    Department of California Highway Patrol

    The California Highway Patrol is a law enforcement and traffic safety agency reporting to Business, Transportation and Housing Agency Secretary Maria Contreras-Sweet and Governor Gray Davis.