May 3, 2006

East Lansing - Now that spring has sprung, motor carrier officers from the Michigan State Police Motor Carrier Division will begin their annual Special Transportation Enforcement Team (STET) operations, focusing on speeding trucks, safety belt use and driver qualifications in an effort to increase traffic safety across the state.

STET operations use a variety of methods to enforce Michigan’s commercial vehicle laws, including enforcement at weigh stations, rest areas and through mobile patrols. Depending on the focus of the specific operation, officers may be out enforcing traffic laws on commercial vehicles, conducting truck inspections, enforcing driver qualification requirements or conducting weight enforcement. STET operations take place throughout the year, however enforcement during the spring, summer and fall seasons are the heaviest because of the increased commercial vehicle traffic.

Motorists are reminded to use caution if they encounter a truck operation as trucks may be slowing down and attempting to maneuver through traffic. Be aware the presence of one motor carrier patrol vehicle may indicate that other patrol units are also operating nearby, which may affect traffic conditions ahead.

In an effort to increase safety belt use among commercial vehicle drivers, the Motor Carrier Division will deploy additional patrols during the summer months. A recent Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration study shows that nationally only about 49 percent of truck drivers wear their safety belt.

Studies also state that approximately 70 percent of all truck-car fatal crashes are caused by an error on the part of the passenger car driver. Passenger car drivers are reminded to "Share the Road" with trucks and stay out of their "No Zones." For information on the US Department of Transportation’s "Share the Road" and "No Zone" safety campaigns, visit http://www.sharetheroadsafely.org/