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ODOT debuts safety action plan to reduce truck-at-fault crashes
Feb. 12, 2008
For more information, contact Sally Ridenour (503) 986-3359
The plan, developed in cooperation with partners, addresses a rising problem
Truck crashes and truck-at-fault crashes have steadily increased in recent years. While total truck miles traveled increased 8 percent from 2001 to 2006, the truck crash rate increased 23 percent and the truck-at-fault crash rate increased 22 percent.
In response, the Oregon Department of Transportation’s Motor Carrier Transportation Division has developed a safety action plan to reduce truck-at-fault crashes. The easy to read plan takes a proactive approach to solving the problem and starts by outlining steps that ODOT and its partners are taking, including:
- Assessing the problem, reviewing all available data
- Planning ahead to direct efforts effectively
- Focusing on driver behavior as the root cause of most crashes
- Rallying partners
- Providing assistance and resources to enforcement officers
- Listening to new ideas and suggestions
- Educating the public and the industry
“To our knowledge, no other states have a plan like this,” David McKane, ODOT Motor Carrier Investigations, Safety and Federal Programs manager. “We think it’s a fresh approach to addressing a serious problem.”
Considering the rise in truck-at-fault crashes, ODOT Motor Carrier Division is redoubling its efforts to shine a spotlight on truck drivers. One new strategy mentioned in the plan is to hold special driver inspection events involving safety specialists and enforcement officers. In 2007, ODOT Motor Carrier conducted a series of these special operations, placing more than 1,200 drivers, about a quarter of those inspected, out of service. That’s well above the national average of 7 percent. The most common type of violations included inaccurate logbooks and driving too many hours without a break.
Oregon is fortunate to have many allies who provided input to the plan and are playing key rolls in its implementation. Law enforcement agencies, government agencies and, most importantly, the trucking industry, partner with ODOT to improve safety with dynamic strategies.
For example, the Oregon partnership in the fight to reduce truck-at-fault crashes includes about 1,000 motor carriers who have exceptional safety and regulatory compliance records. Oregon recognizes these carriers as Trusted Carrier Partners, a unique to Oregon program. Because of their safe and compliant records, Trusted Carriers have lower insurance rates, less equipment downtime, fewer driver injuries and decreased costs.
Another important partner is the public. Oregon motorists need to know how to share the road safely with trucks. The safety action plan lists steps that both passenger car drivers and truck drivers can take to keep each other safe.
The plan also outlines performance measures that ODOT will use to measure its success, including soliciting feedback.
“Everyone has a stake in enhancing highway safety,” said McKane. “Everyone should know that Oregon has an open door policy about ideas and suggestions. Working together we can make a difference.”
Visit the ODOT Motor Carrier Web site to download a copy of the safety action plan and to get more information, www.oregon.gov/ODOT/MCTD.
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