NEWS RELEASE

For further information please contact: Captain J. Tim Hull
(573) 526-6115
Q5086
May 29, 2008

EMPHASIS: Patrol's Commercial Vehicle Enforcement To Participate in Roadcheck 2008


On June 3-5, 2008 the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Commercial Motor Vehicle Enforcement personnel in conjunction with the Kansas City Police Department’s and St. Louis City Metro Police Department’s Commercial Motor Vehicle Enforcement Units will be participating in an international safety and enforcement campaign called “Roadcheck 2008”. “Roadcheck 2008”, sponsored by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), will run 72 continuous hours and will include the countries of Mexico, Canada, and the United States. The purpose of the operation is to enhance truck/bus safety and security throughout North America.

Officers participating in “Roadcheck 2008” will be conducting Level 1 inspections of the commercial vehicles and drivers to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. Officers also will be looking closely and placing special emphasis on safety belt use.

The Patrol also would like to remind other motorists to please be aware of the areas around commercial vehicles when sharing the road. There are blind spots around commercial vehicles as well as other possible hazards. For the safety of all drivers and the officers involved the Patrol reminds motorists of the Missouri “Move Over” law. This law requires motorists approaching stationary emergency vehicles with their emergency lights activated to make a lane change into a lane not adjacent to that of the stationary vehicle. If a roadway has at least four lanes with not less than two lanes proceeding in the same direction as the approaching vehicle, the motorists should proceed with due caution and reduce the speed of the vehicle. It is important to maintain a safe speed for road conditions if changing lanes would be unsafe or impossible.

“All vehicles must share the road,” stated Colonel James Keathley, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. “Conducting special enforcement operations like Roadcheck 2008 enables law enforcement to enhance awareness of truck and bus safety and security all across our nation.”