The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is wrapping up a two-day statewide crackdown on unsafe truck drivers today. The campaign was made in response to rising public complaints about commercial vehicle violations.
“Based on an increasing number of complaints we have received from the public concerning commercial vehicle traffic violations, as well as a number of significant vehicle crashes involving large trucks, our troopers are being directed to strongly focus their collective enforcement efforts on commercial vehicle violations,” said CHP’s Colonel Knight.
FHP is targeting truckers who drive at excessive speeds, tailgate, change lanes and pass improperly, violate lane restrictions, and commit other traffic violations. FHP is deploying unmarked patrol vehicles, video cameras, and aircraft to enforce traffic laws.
FHP Major Ernesto Duarte told Fleet Owner that the lion’s share of public complaints against truckers are excessive speeds, tailgating, and using restricted lanes to pass slower vehicles. North- and Southbound lanes of I-85, I-75, and I-95 were cited as ‘problems’ for FHP, as well as East- and Westbound lanes of I-10 and I-4.
“We would like them [truckers] to know we are serious about enforcing traffic laws because of the dangers they could pose to the public,” Duarte said, explaining that the crackdown is intended primarily to raise traffic safety awareness.
“We’re not there to write tickets. We’re hoping that after this [campaign] concludes there will be fewer tickets and complaints, and a decrease in crashes involving big rigs in the future,” Duarte said.
The number of stops and tickets that occurred yesterday is not available yet, because the campaign is still ongoing, Duarte said.
