September 10, 2002

East Lansing - The Michigan State Police Motor Carrier Division has completed its annual Operation Air Brake for 2002. The results show that approximately 15% of all trucks checked during the random inspection operation were placed out of service for brake violations.

On September 5^th, officers of the Motor Carrier Division conducted an announced random brake check. Earlier this year, an unannounced operation was conducted for comparison purposes.

During the unannounced operation earlier this year, 13% of all the trucks checked were placed out of service for brake violations. During the announced operation on September 5^th, 15% of all the trucks checked were placed out of service for brake violations. In 2001, 16% of all the trucks checked were placed out of service for brake violations during the unannounced operation.

Motor Carrier Officers across the state measured 2,801 brakes on 325 different trucks on September 5^th. Of those 2,801 brakes, 188 were found to be out of adjustment (6%). Forty-one of the out of adjustment brakes met or exceeded the out of service limit. Twenty-two brakes were placed out of service for mechanical violations. A total of 48 trucks were placed out of service for brake violations. Another 11 were placed out of service for other violations.

Operation Air Brake is an annual event conducted by the Michigan State Police Motor Carrier Division in conjunction with the Commercial Safety Alliance (CVSA) and the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA). National results are unavailable at this time.

On September 6, 2002, Motor Carrier Officers received training on the eight portable infrared cameras recently purchased by the Motor Carrier Division. The primary purpose of the cameras is to detect the heat, or lack of heat, coming from defective brakes, giving the officer probable cause to stop and inspect the vehicle.

"The cameras will provide the officers with better information regarding which trucks need inspection," said Capt. Robert R. Powers, commanding officer of the Division.

The cameras will also be used to locate illegal shipments of hazardous materials, overweight trucks, and false compartments for contraband such as illegal drugs. The cameras, which cost $12,000 each, were purchased through a special grant funded by the Michigan Truck Safety Commission.

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