Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that the first two weeks of the state’s ongoing crackdown on unsafe truckers on Connecticut highways have resulted in citations for 1,217 violations, including tickets for such dangerous practices as following too closely, logging too many hours, making unsafe lane changes and speeding.
Governor Rell ordered State Police and the Department of Motor Vehicles to conduct the crackdown starting August 2 after a series of major crashes involving trucks caused injuries, deaths and lengthy traffic tie-ups on highways around the state. The enforcement effort involves the DMV truck squad and more than 500 state troopers.
“These results reflect the total effort being put forth by State Police and the DMV truck squad,” Governor Rell said. “Connecticut has seen far too many high-profile truck accidents that have closed highways and snarled rush-hour traffic for hours. In most cases, the accidents were related to truck drivers losing control of their rigs – usually because they were driving in an unsafe way.
“The message we are sending with this crackdown is clear: Connecticut does not tolerate truck drivers who speed, makes unsafe lane changes or tailgate,” the Governor said. “People in Connecticut are simply fed up with dangerous driving.”
Results of the first two weeks of the crackdown include:
· 88 Speeding/Reckless Driving Violations
· 211 Overweight Truck Violations
· 65 Oversize Vehicle Violations
· 53 Driver’s License Violations
· 70 Logbook Violations
· 61 Registration Violations
· 77 Violations for Defective Lights
· 47 Violations for Defective Brakes and Tires
“The vast majority of truck drivers are safe and courteous professionals who take their job seriously and drive in a sensible way,” the Governor said. “Those who do not will pay for it – or find that they are better off avoiding Connecticut altogether.
