If your work travels take you through Arizona, be aware that law enforcement officers there are conducting a special inspection blitz of commercial vehicle.
The annual “Operation Southern Shield”, targeting commercial vehicles on state and federal highways takes place today March 1 through March 3 in southern Arizona, according to the state’s Department of Public Safety.
Commercial vehicle inspectors will be conducting roving patrols on Interstate 10 from Tucson to the New Mexico border and Interstate 19 to the Mexico border, according to the department.
Additionally, an inspection site will be at the Canoa Rest Area on Interstate 19.
A statement on the department’s website said inspectors will be looking for:
- Commercial vehicles that are mechanically unsafe for operation on the highways. This will include the security of loads being carried.
- Drivers who fail to wear safety restraints.
- Drivers who are fatigued, ill, impaired, or otherwise unable to safely operate a commercial vehicle.
- Drivers who are in violation of federal hours of service laws.
In addition, the department will conduct Driver Awareness Regulation Training (DART), a program to educate commercial vehicle drivers on the latest information regarding rules and regulations governing the commercial vehicle industry. The DART van will be located at the TTT Truck Stop located on Interstate 10 at the Craycroft Exit, Tuesday, March 2 from 8 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
