Oklahoma troopers issue out-of-service order for cracked trailer frame ‘at serious risk of collapse’

Last week, an Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) commercial vehicle inspection resulted in an out-of-service order after serious damage to the trailer frame was discovered.

On April 21, OHP took to social media to highlight the results of a commercial vehicle inspection conducted the week prior by Trooper Heath Ragland.

OHP says that a traffic stop was conducted on a truck-tractor semi-trailer combination to allow Trooper Ragland to perform an inspection.

From OHP:

During the course of the Level 2 walk-around inspection, Trooper Ragland observed what appeared to be a structural crack on the trailer frame, located just in front of the trailer’s tandem axles.

Upon further inspection beneath the trailer, it was confirmed that the frame on both the driver and passenger sides was indeed cracked. Since the trailer is not designed to be part of the structural frame, continuing to operate it in this condition posed a serious risk of collapse.

As a result, the trailer was placed out of service to prevent any potential danger to the motoring public. The company promptly made arrangements, and the trailer was towed to a facility for repairs.

OHP shared several images of the cracks observed during the inspection.

“This incident is just another example of the critical work our Troop S (Commercial Motor Vehicle Enforcement) troopers perform daily to ensure highway safety and protect the public,” troopers said.