Yesterday, the OPP kicked off "Operation Safe Trucking", a province-wide Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) enforcement blitz, but they've added a twist to targeting distracted transport truck drivers.
Officers will conduct their patrols in transport trucks, giving them a better vantage point for spotting transport drivers who are distracted or engaged in other dangerous behaviours behind the wheel.
"Every year, collisions that involve commercial motor vehicles are in the thousands and they result in significant loss of life," Commissioner Vince Hawkes says in a news release. "So far this year, the OPP has responded to more than 6,200 transport truck-related collisions, with 87 people dying in 72 of those crashes. Adding truck tractors to our list of enforcement tools will enhance our officers' observation and investigative skills during Operation Safe Trucking and future initiatives that focus on commercial motor vehicle safety.
The trucks are being used for the first time during Operation Safe Trucking. The strategy aims to reduce the number of CMV collisions on OPP-patrolled roads.
During the five-day blitz, OPP officers will be targeting CMV moving violations such as distracted, aggressive and impaired driving, speeding, following too closely, occupant restraint and hours of service violations. CMVs found with mechanical, load security or other safety issues will be subject to inspections and enforcement actions in collaboration with the Ministry of Transportation.
