Multi-Agency Commercial Vehicle Inspection Conducted

Grand Canyon National Park (AZ)
Multi-Agency Commercial Vehicle Inspection Conducted

On August 31st and September 1st, the Arizona Department of Public Safety, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and rangers from the Grand Canyon Fee and Commercial Law Enforcement Unit conducted an unannounced commercial vehicle inspection within the park. This two-day-long, multi-agency operation focused on improving public safety by reducing the potential for accidents and injuries due to unsafe commercial vehicles and drivers on park roadways. A total of 228 commercial vehicles (buses, trucks, vans, and taxis) were inspected during the operation. Arizona DPS officers wrote 336 safety warnings and twelve citations, resulting in 33 vehicles being placed out of service for repair and an additional 25 drivers being placed out of service. Common vehicle violations included brake system malfunctions, steering issues, cracked frames, unsafe loads, tire problems, and electrical system fire hazards. Common driver’s violations included suspended drivers licenses, no medical card, log book violations, and exceeding hours of service. A total of 160 commercial use audits were conducted by NPS rangers, resulting in nine citations and eight warnings for violating park fee and commercial use regulations. This yearly operation continues to be a great success due to the dedication of the many different Grand Canyon divisions that lend their staffs to assist in the operation, as well as the excellent working relationship that rangers maintain with the park’s neighboring law enforcement agencies. Additional unannounced inspections will continue throughout the year.