One of the many services Lebanon County Regional Police Department provides to the businesses, citizens and anyone who passes through our jurisdictions is safer travel on our highways.  We proudly conduct inspections on Commercial Motor Vehicles who travel on our roads.  The purpose of these inspections is to reduce accidents, especially fatal accidents, involving commercial motor vehicles.  

When critical defects are found during an inspection, the vehicle is placed Out Of Service, meaning it cannot be moved because it is a danger to the motoring public and needs to be repaired immediately.  We also check the drivers to ensure they are properly licensed, and most importantly, properly rested in accordance with the Federal Regulations.  Sometimes we place the driver Out Of Service until they get the proper rest or for other reasons.   

During the first half of this year, 21 Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMV) were inspected, 4 of which were hauling Hazardous Materials. Only 3 inspections were conducted on trucks belonging to businesses from Lebanon, PA.  Out of the 21 inspections, 9 resulted in Out Of Service (OOS), meaning the vehicle or the driver or both had serious violations needing immediate repair or attention for the safety of the motoring public, 8 vehicles were placed OOS and 4 drivers were placed OOS.  A total of 80 violations were found during these inspections.  They range from a simple light being out to hazardous brakes or drivers who do not possess a valid CDL.  

The above pictures show some of the violations found.

Picture 1 shows a brake line that has been worn through by rubbing on some other part.  It has rubbed so much that it is worn through the reinforcement ply and this could lead to the hose bursting when the brakes are applied resulting in a loss of braking.  OOS  Scary stuff...

Picture 2 shows a leaf spring, the suspension of the rear axle, and the main leaf is broken.  This could lead to handling issues with the vehicle or even that part falling off the vehicle.  OOS

Picture 3 shows an air hose that is bulging when the brakes are applied.  This will lead to a blow out of the hose and loss of braking of the CMV.   OOS

Picture 4 shows the brake hose leading to the glad hands (that connect to the trailer) are dry rotted and you can see the reinforcement plys that are becoming frayed.  Again, this is dangerous and can lead to a blow out and loss of braking to the trailer.  OOS

Picture 5 shows a brake chamber on the steering axle that has loose mounting bolts.  This is very dangerous and affects the braking of the CMV.  OOS

Picture 6 shows a group of wires that have been damaged or cut though exposing the wires.  This causes shorts and could affect a number of functions or devices on the CMV.

Picture 7 shows a brake chamber with a missing clevis pin, meaning that brake did not operate!!!  

Picture 8 shows a spare tire under a trailer that was not secured.  This is dangerous because these tires bounce around and can easily come out!  OOS