(ATLANTA) – The Georgia Department of Public Safety’s Motor Carrier Compliance Division (MCCD) is participating the Passenger Carrier Safety Detail, July 8-19, to reduce unsafe driving behaviors, as well as establish an attitude of safety compliance among passenger carriers operating on Georgia’s roadways. The detail focuses on both urban and rural interstate and intrastate transportation locations.

This is a joint effort along with the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to identify high-risk driving behaviors. Some of these behaviors include fatigued driving, following too closely, improper lane use, impaired driving, speeding, and improper lane changes. A passenger carrier driver who fails to practice safe driving behaviors could receive a warning and/or citation. Furthermore, a passenger carrier could be placed out-of-service if a critical violation is identified by a MCCD officer. Last year, MCCD Officers issued 1,486 citations, including 96 for seat belts, 227 for speeding, and 95 for distracted driving. Officers also arrested three impaired drivers.

“This detail will educate the public on the importance of commercial motor vehicle safety in an effort to prevent fatal crashes,” said Major Johnny Jones, Commanding Officer of the Motor Carrier Compliance Division. “It will establish a visible law enforcement presence and protect Georgia’s motoring public,” he added.

According to the FMCSA, Georgia is ranked 4th in the nation for fatalities involving commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). MCCD is responsible for enforcing CMV safety regulations and ensuring that CMV drivers comply with federal and state CMV safety standards.

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Contact Information:

DPS Public Information Office – [email protected]