FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  May 9, 2002

East Lansing, Michigan. Once again officers from the Michigan State Police Motor Carrier Division will be inspecting large vehicles for compliance during special operations all over the state. These operations, called "Special Transportation Enforcement Teams", or "STETs" are conducted in a variety of locations, particularly high-risk crash corridors. Officers are looking for equipment violations such as bad tires and brakes, as well as unqualified or fatigued drivers.

These operations may be conducted in rest areas where signs are posted requiring all commercial motor vehicles to enter for inspection, or the operation may consist of "flooding" an area with Motor Carrier Division patrol cars. While these operations are conducted throughout the year, most take place during the summer because the good weather ensures safe road conditions.

While the number of vehicles on the road and the number of highway miles traveled have both increased significantly, the fatal crash rate involving commercial vehicles has remained fairly constant. For the year 2000, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) statistics indicate there were 2.2 fatal crashes for every 100 million vehicles-miles-traveled.

This is the lowest rate since the USDOT began keeping large truck safety records in 1975. The overall large truck crash rate has decreased by 29% over the last 10 years.

The Michigan State Police remind motorists to avoid travelling in a truck’s "No Zones", also known as blind spots. If the "No Zones" cannot be avoided, then travel through them as quickly and as safely as possible.

The "No Zones" are found at the front, rear, and both sides of a commercial motor vehicle. Motorists should use extra caution when driving in and around these vehicles. More information can be found on this USDOT web site: www.nozone.org.