Michigan motor carrier officers to hold commercial vehicle blitz in I-96 construction zone

Michigan State Police (MSP) will conduct a commercial vehicle traffic enforcement operation in an interstate construction zone in response to “a dramatic increase in traffic crashes causing injury and death” in the area.

MSP Motor Carrier Officers from the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division (CVED) will be taking part in an enforcement operation on Tuesday, September 23, in the Ionia County construction zone on I-96, between mile marker 67 and into Kent County.

The I-96 enforcement operation is taking place in response to “a dramatic increase in traffic crashes causing injury and death since the start of lane closures March 24.”

As part of the operation, motor carrier officers from across the state of Michigan will be deployed to the I-96 construction zone “to deter unsafe driving behaviors by commercial motor vehicle drivers.”

Police will be on the lookout for commercial vehicles drivers performing behaviors likely to increase the risk of a crash, including speeding, following too closely, improper lane changes, reckless or careless driving, and texting/hand-held use of a phone while driving.

The September 23 commercial vehicle operation follows a similar operation that MSP CVED held on September 17 in the area.

“MSP CVED hopes that the extra patrol activity will deter unsafe driving and help save lives. Appreciation is given to drivers who are safe, attentive and follow the zipper merge, along with fellow first responders, MSP members, and to MDOT for always seeking to improve our roadways,” state troopers said.

On August 26, one person was killed and two others were seriously injured in a four-vehicle crash on westbound I-96, according to the Ionia County Sheriff Office.