Commercial vehicle inspection looks to keep highways safe
65 PER CENT OF VEHICLES CHECKED TUESDAY PLACED OUT OF SERVICE
An annual three-day commercial vehicle inspection underway in Lethbridge featuring a number of different police agencies from around southern Alberta.
Lethbridge Police Service is hosting the joint forces operation, which specifically targets unsafe commercial vehicles.
The operation started Tuesday and continues today. LPS, along with Alberta Transportation – Vehicle Safety Services, and the Alberta Tax and Revenue Administration, are inspecting commercial vehicles for mechanical, equipment and other violations.
During Tuesday’s operation, 65 per cent of vehicles inspected were placed out of service.
The operation also includes involvement with a number of police agencies, including Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, Calgary Police Service, RCMP, Alberta Sheriffs and peace officers from nearby counties.
Const. Stewart Seefried, with the Traffic Response Unit and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, said the three-day check stop is designed to focus on making sure commercial vehicles, such as semis, are safe and functioning as they should.
These inspections also include medium and smaller-sized commercial vehicles which Seefried said can sometimes get missed.
Inspection involves checking to ensure drivers are properly licensed and that they have proper vehicle documentation.
On larger vehicles, police check to see log books are up to date and that inspection certificates are in order.
They also do physical inspections of the vehicles to ensure loads are being secured and carried properly.
Finally, vehicles must pass a mechanical inspection, which involves going under the vehicle to check to ensure they are operating safely and properly.
“It includes a lot of things involving the safe overall operation of the vehicle,” said Seefried. “We want to ensure that everyone going down the road is safe.”
Cargo securement is one of the most common issues police find during commercial inspections. Seefried said issues with vehicle brakes can also be a common problem.
“When you look at the size and weights of these commercial vehicles, a lot of them are much heavier than your standard passenger vehicle,” he said.
“It’s an awful lot of weight to be rolling down the highway if your brakes aren’t working or your load isn’t secured properly, and you get into a collision with a passenger vehicle.
“There’s a great potential for significant damage, injury, or even worse.”
LPS would like to remind Lethbridge drivers to be safe when navigating the commercial vehicle inspection site.
“As with any road you are operating on, follow the signs,” said Seefried. “We have signs and barricades up, (telling drivers) to slow down. And pay attention to the drivers in front of you. Just drive safe. “
Follow @JWSchnarrHerald on Twitter