Conn. Uncovers 1,700 Trucking Violations in 3-Day Crackdown

Connecticut motor vehicle inspectors took more than 50 truck drivers off the road and discovered more than 1,700 violations during a three-day crackdown last week on Connecticut roads, officials said.

Inspectors from the state departments of Public Safety and Motor Vehicles conducted the targeted reviews of large trucks as part of a nationwide effort called Roadcheck 2006, Gov. M. Jodi Rell said.

About 1,740 infractions were issued and nearly 100 trucks were sidelined for safety defects and violations of state and federal laws, officials said.

Fifty-four drivers also were ordered not to drive until problems were resolved with their log books, records of hours behind the wheel and other issues.

In addition, four leaking cargo tanks were identified and one truck driver was charged with operating under the influence, officials said.

“The word is clearly out within the trucking industry that Connecticut is serious about truck safety,” Rell said. “Drivers and their employers know that their trucks can be pulled over and checked at any time, day or night.”