An annual and international campaign, Operation Safe Driver Week took place in North America from July 7 through 13.
In our province, the week saw Saskatchewan Highway Patrol (SHP) members increasing traffic enforcement efforts. “It’s about essentially enforcement just going out and stopping drivers that are displaying unsafe driving manners," explained Sergeant Mathew Austin, commercial vehicle enforcement specialist with the SHP.
“Failing to signal on a lane change, all the way up to impaired driving is concentrated on – and it’s for both private vehicles and commercial vehicles.”
Drivers received 235 tickets for offences including speeding, failing to wear seatbelts, and driving unregistered vehicles, and 12 drivers received roadside suspensions related to the use of alcohol and drugs.
Commercial vehicles saw 238 inspections over the week. Of those vehicles inspected, 40 per cent were removed from the roads, 17 per cent needed attention after their current trip before returning to the road, and 43 per cent passed the inspection.
Austin explained that there were a wide range of issues found in commercial vehicles, including brakes out of adjustment, non-functioning lights, violations of weight restrictions, and violations of federal hours of service.
“Ultimately, we would like to see zero trucks removed from the roadways for deficiencies and violations, so 40 per cent is much higher than we would like, and it is concerning to see numbers that high.”
If drivers and carriers do not rectify recorded issues, they can see issues on a subsequent inspection. “It can lead to further charges the next time they’re inspected. As well it can include removing the vehicle from road use until all of the repairs are made.”
Officers can also place a requirement for proof of repairs on the inspection, and failure to provide proof has the potential to lead to further charges and the vehicle registration being cancelled.
Austin reminds commercial drivers to ensure that they’re doing a proper trip inspection.
Operation Safe Driver Week has been an annual event since 2007 and is coordinated by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA).