Cops call out truckers for watching movies behind the wheel, 14 violations on hazmat truck, DUI, & dangerous distraction

A growing number of law enforcement agencies are using social media as a tool to call out truckers for bad behavior, giving users a peek into some of the most frightening violations they see on the road

Case in point — a driver who pulled into the Gilroy Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Facility in San Marten, California, on July 30 was caught taking “distracted driving” to a whole new level.

“DON’T WATCH MOVIES WHILE YOU DRIVE,” CHP warns

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) writes:

“So as we inspected a commercial vehicle today, we observed that the driver had apparently forgot to turn off his movie. So remember per 27602 of the California Vehicle Code it states in part that (a) A person shall not drive a motor vehicle if a television receiver, a video monitor, or a television or video screen, or any other similar means of visually displaying a television broadcast or video signal that produces entertainment or business applications, is operating and is located in the motor vehicle at a point forward of the back of the driver’s seat, or is operating and the monitor, screen, or display is visible to the driver while driving the motor vehicle. In other words “DON”T WATCH MOVIES WHILE YOU DRIVE.“

Georgia Inspectors Find 14 Violations After Hazmat Truck Does U-Turn in Median

On Monday, August 1, the Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS) took to their Facebook page to call out a truck driver for an array of violations.

Georgia DPS said:

“Violation of the Week- MCO Easterling (Region 7) observed this CMV make a U-turn in the median of I-16. After stopping the truck, he conducted an inspection and observed the driver was transporting 1,200lbs of class 2 nonflammable gas. The vehicle had no placards and two flat tires. The driver had no hazmat endorsement, expired medical card, no logbook, and multiple hazmat shipping paper violations. There were a total of 14 violations, with five out of service violations. The driver and the vehicle were both placed out of service.“

Early Morning Reckless Driving Turns Into DUI

On July 29, a trooper with CHP’s Oroville Division had an alarming encounter with an allegedly impaired truck driver during the morning rush hour.

CHP-Oroville writes:

“At approximately 8:06am this morning, our Chico Communications Center received multiple calls regarding a semi truck driving recklessly and unable to stay in its own lane. An Oroville CHP Officer was able to intercept the semi truck on Highway 70 at Cox Lane. After stopping the vehicle, our officer recognized obvious signs of intoxication and after evaluating the driver for DUI, he was placed under arrest. This driver was well above the legal limit. We all know the potential deadly consequences of driving a regular truck or sedan while under the influence. Imagine how deadly a crash involving a semi truck could be. To those of you that called in to our dispatch center this morning, we thank you. You may have just saved some precious lives today. If you see a suspected DUI driver, please call 911.“

CHP Blames Distracted Driving For Bridge Strike

Late last month, CHP’s Rancho Cucamonga division called out a truck driver for being too distracted to notice that the bed of his truck was raised prior to striking a bridge.

CHP Rancho Cucamonga writes:

“::Shaking Head::PSA: Don’t drive distracted. Ok, I’ve seen people get so distracted before they begin their trip that they leave their cell phone or their coffee on the roof of their vehicle. This takes it to a whole new level. This driver definitely should have checked his vehicle before hitting the road to make sure everything was in order.“