CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The state Public Service Commission announced Wednesday that during the most recent quarter, its Transportation Enforcement Officers conducted over 3,000 commercial vehicle inspections on 10 highways designated as high crash areas.
The number was a 58 percent increase over the number of inspections conducted in those areas during the same quarter last year.
The grant-funded inspections were conducted primarily during off hours. They led to over 200 vehicles were taken out of service for equipment safety violations. Officers conducted over 1,800 checks for alcohol and controlled substances, and cited drivers for 502 speed violations and 68 seatbelt violations.
“The tangible result of this federal grant is that more inspections have led to more violations being discovered and addressed,” Director of the Transportation Enforcement Division Bob Blankenship said. “Having the ability to increase our presence in this way has made West Virginia’s roadways safer for the traveling public and has, no doubt, saved lives and property.”