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Traffic Patrol Officers: Increase Bus/Truck Traffic Enforcement
Traffic Patrol Officers: Increase Bus/Truck Traffic Enforcement
There are specific safety precautions for officers due to visibility issues.Remain cautious of increased length, width and height Leave room between cruiser and truck/bus Check for blind spots/ oncoming traffic
Upon seeing cruiser lights, many drivers will continue until they find a suitable place to pull over. Others will stop right away and need to be led to a better location.
There are extra precautions when conducting truck/bus traffic enforcement.Watch for oncoming traffic/utilize side mirrors for blind spots Look for hazardous materials warnings/placards Watch for passengers/animals in cab Stop cruiser to the side of the commercial truck/bus so the driver can see you
Commercial trucks/buses require additional consideration of stopping time/distance.
Make sure you are not in the no zone If you cannot see the driver's face in their side view mirror, they cannot see you Avoid stopping too closely behind a truck on an upgrade, as the truck may roll back
On approach, watch the driver in their side mirror; as this will provide information about the driver's safety belt usage, any passengers and any movements in the vehicle. Observe the driver's condition as you would for the driver of a passenger car.Look for signs of impairment/fatigue Watch for deceptive conduct Look for safety belt usage
A traffic stop involving a bus is similar to that of a large truck. Here are a few additional considerations. Passengers should not leave the vehicle Interview the driver away from passengers Children cannot be unsupervised If children are present, the driver should be interviewed inside the vehicle
Interviewing the driver of a commercial truck/bus is similar to an interview with the driver of a passenger car.Ask questions about the load, trip and vehicle Listen and observe for any inconsistencies Most stops are for basic moving violations Contact MCSAP team for violations beyond standard traffic enforcement
If any of the following are involved, consider contacting your state's MCSAP team for assistance.Truck safety is in question Criminal activity is suspected Possibility that the truck will have to be taken out of service
The stop is not over until the truck is back on the road safely.When appropriate, back away from vehicle and enter lane allowing vehicle to start re-entry Stay behind vehicle with lights flashing until vehicle gets up to speed When appropriate, advise the driver to use the shoulder as an acceleration lane
UMassSafe • UMassSafe@ecs.umass.edu • www.ecs.umass.edu/UMassSafe
This material is based upon work supported by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under a grant/cooperative agreement
