Statewide task force to inspect compliance with dump truck safety laws

To ensure compliance with commercial motor vehicle safety regulations, a task force of state investigators will inspect approximately 75 Wisconsin companies that operate dump trucks. The task force will review dump truck companies’ safety procedures, including their alcohol and controlled substance testing programs for drivers.

The task force inspections, scheduled for completion by May 31, will use the expertise of the Wisconsin State Patrol Motor Carrier Enforcement Investigation Unit in partnership with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration staff.

“Statewide compliance reviews of commercial motor vehicle companies’ safety procedures 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. “Using compliance reviews, we can identify which commercial motor vehicle safety areas need more education and enforcement efforts.  Previous task force compliance reviews have been used to improve school bus safety. This year’s task force will send a clear message about our commitment to dump truck safety statewide to drivers and commercial motor vehicle companies alike.” 

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