Fatal Accidents Involving Trucks Dropped 40 Percent

How good are our CSLEA/AMCOS Motor Carrier Specialists?  They are top-notch, according to The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). 

The IACP will award first place honors in the National Law Enforcement Challenge to the California Highway Patrol, Commercial Enforcement Program (CEP).  Motor Carrier Specialists are part of that team, 250 non-uniformed specialists who ensure the commercial vehicles out on the road beside us, and the drivers behind the wheel of those big rigs and buses, are safe.

This prestigious award highlights the Commercial Enforcement Program’s (CEP) effort to, among other things; dramatically reduce the number of fatal accidents involving trucks.   Motor Carrier Specialists, along with CHP commercial officers in the CEP strive to keep us safe. As a result of their dedicated work, fatal accidents involving trucks dropped 40 percent, from 400 in 2006 to 236 in 2010.

“There’s no question our safety on the road would be jeopardized if not for these public safety professionals,” said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) President, Alan Barcelona.  “This award is a tribute to their hard work and dedication.”

According to the IACP website, “The National Law Enforcement Challenge is a national traffic safety awards program that recognizes excellent law enforcement traffic safety programs.”

Motor Carrier Specialists not only inspect truck and tour bus terminals throughout California; they inspect and certify school buses.  Motor Carrier Specialists are also a part of the CHP’s Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) which investigates fatal auto, motorcycle, bus and truck accidents.

“This is a wonderful and well deserved award,” said Association of Motor Carrier Operation Specialists (AMCOS) President, Terry Beatty.   “It recognizes the superb efforts by the men and women specialists who make up the ranks of the CHP Motor Carrier Safety Unit.  We are blessed to be a part of a tremendous team.” 

The top honor will be awarded to the CHP – CEP in October in San Diego.