Enforcement Initiative Conducted Throughout the State to Reduce Commercial Motor Vehicle Crashes

On September 9, 2021 members of New Hampshire State Police – Troop G conducted an enforcement initiative to reduce the amount of motor vehicle crashes involving commercial motor vehicles. Troopers from Troop G specifically focused their enforcement efforts on ensuring that vehicles were driving in a safe manner. Troopers also conducted roadside inspections of commercial motor vehicles throughout the State to ensure that drivers were compliant with hours of service, that drivers had obtained proper licensing credentials, that commercial motors vehicles were in safe mechanical operating condition, and that they complied with size and weight laws. Members of Troop G are highly skilled Troopers who have received specialized training to conduct roadside inspections of commercial motor vehicles.  In addition, members of Troop G regulate and enforce laws and rules governing automotive dealerships and the State of New Hampshire Safety Inspection program.

During the daylong event, Troopers inspected 191 commercial motor vehicles. Troopers also discovered 208 violations, of which 39 were so severe that they created a condition where the vehicle or its driver were placed out of service. In total, 17 vehicles were placed out of service for critical safety violations such as inoperative brakes and worn steering components, while 12 drivers were placed out of service for violations including not possessing a valid medical certificate, not maintaining records of driving hours, operating while under suspension and not holding the proper class of driver’s license. Troopers issued 15 citations as a result of commercial motor vehicle inspections. 32 commercial vehicles were also checked for size and weight enforcement. Troopers also stopped several passenger vehicles that failed to comply with State of New Hampshire Safety Inspection requirements.

In Lebanon, Sgt. Scott Atherton and TFC Anthony Cattabriga stopped a Commercial Vehicle that failed to enter the open Weight Station on Interstate 89 southbound. On-scene investigation revealed that the operator of the commercial vehicle was Operating on a Suspended License. A subsequent offense for this operator.

In Bow, SSG Carl Huddleston and TFC Derek Holston assisted Bow Police Department with a crash on Route 3A north. On-scene investigation revealed that, a 2015 Freightliner was traveling northbound with a 53-foot trailer behind it. At the time, there was rain reported in the area and the roadways were wet. It appears that the operator was driving too fast for the existing road conditions, lost control and ended up skidding off the roadway to the left side. This crash remains under investigation at this time. Fortunately, there were no injuries in this crash.

The New Hampshire State Police are committed to ensuring safe travel throughout the State and will continue our efforts to reduce collisions and traffic fatalities.