Distracted driving blitz targeting truckers hauling containers yields nearly 150 citations

Officers with the Georgia Department of Public Safety (GDPS) recently conducted a truck enforcement operation near the Port of Savannah.

The Port Check and Distracted Driving detail was conducted on September 22 — 24 on the I-95/I-16 corridors and the areas near the Port of Savannah.

During the enforcement effort, officers with the GDPS Motor Carrier Compliance Division (MCCD) zeroed in on inspecting commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) transporting intermodal containers, CMVs transporting hazardous materials, and unsafe operations of a CMV.

GDPS says that MCCD officers issued citations for Following Too Closely (5 violations), Improper Lane Usage (40 violations), and Cell Phone Usage (103 violations). MCCD officers conducted 316 non-hazmat inspections, 151 hazmat inspections, and placed 28 CMVs and nine drivers out of service.

“With the expansion of the Port of Savannah and the increase in congestive commercial motor vehicle traffic, it is imperative for CMV drivers to conduct pre-trip inspections to ensure the equipment they are operating is safe to be on Georgia’s roadways. I encourage all CMV operators to be aware of their surroundings and to avoid being distracted when operating a vehicle typically weighing 80,000 pounds or more,” said Major Jeremy Vickery, MCCD Commanding Officer.

GDPS says similar operations are conducted throughout the year to “ensure safer driving habits of commercial motor vehicle operators.”