The OPP are taking to the air in order to keep motorists on the ground safe.
Last month with the help of OPP Aviation Services, members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) West Region Highway Safety Division and the Middlesex Detachment made several significant traffic stops along the 401 in West Region.
Over the past several months, the OPP, in concert with the Ministry of Transportation (MTO), have been focusing on Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) safety through education and enforcement.
Utilizing Thermal Imaging Technology “FLIR”, officers can detect overheated brakes or bearings which often precede ‘wheel-off’ incidents.
Officers in the air were able to identify three potentially unsafe vehicles which resulted in two of the three being taken out of service for major safety defects.
One of the more significant enforcement interactions during this initiative resulted in stopping a dump truck hauling a flatbed trailer loaded with a large excavator.
The driver failed to have an “oversized” load permit.
Further inspection revealed that the load was not secure on the deck of the flatbed, nor were the overhanging markers on the rear or sides as prescribed by law.
Officers were surprised to see diesel fuel leaking from the passenger side fuel tank as well, spilling onto the road.
Along with some brake defects, it was further learned that the driver failed to surrender a trip inspection report, also required by law.
“These types of preventable issues lead to injury and death on our roadways,” stated Inspector Brad Coulbeck, West Region Traffic and Marine.
“Through ongoing education and enforcement we are committed to making our roads safer for everyone.”
OPP are reminding everyone that road safety is a shared responsibility.
If you see something of concern, report it immediately to police and do your part to help us keep our roads safe.
