Georgia issues 87 citations in distracted driving blitz targeting container haulers

The Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS) recently conducted a distracted driving detail targeting truck drivers near the Port of Savannah.

The enforcement effort took place December 15 — 17 along the I-95/I-16 corridors and the areas near the Port of Savannah.

During the three day detail, officers with the Georgia DPS Motor Carrier Compliance Division (MCCD) focused on inspecting commercial motor vehicles (CMV) transporting intermodal containers, CMVs transporting hazardous materials, and the unsafe operations of a CMV.

Officers issued a total of 87 citations — 12 for Following Too Closely, 42 for Improper Lane Usage, and 33 for Cell Phone Usage.

Additionally, DPS officers conducted 199 non-hazmat inspections, 117 hazmat inspections, and placed 18 CMVs and six drivers out of service.

“Due to the increase in crashes involving Commercial Motor Vehicles on the I-16 corridor, I would like to remind all CMV operators to remain focused while driving and to not become distracted while operating their vehicles.,” said Major Jeremy Vickery, MCCD Commanding Officer.

Georgia DPS conducted a similar effort September 22 — 24 during which they issued nearly 150 citations, 103 of which were for Cell Phone Usage. The agency says that they’ll continue to conduct distracted driving details targeting port truck drivers.