Unsafe practices for safety’s sake?

According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation safety statistics, “Failure of motorists to move over is one of the reasons motor vehicle crashes kill more law enforcement officers on duty than any other cause.”

Forty-three states, including Wisconsin, enforce a “move over” law — These laws instruct drivers to give safe and proper clearance to stopped law enforcement or emergency vehicles. Drivers are instructed to slow down in the event there is no break in the flow of traffic, and give as much clearance as safely possible to the stopped vehicle(s).

Safety is clearly the biggest concern.

Any stop on the side of the highway is dangerous. Passers-by pose a constant threat to tow-truck drivers and law enforcement officers in emergency situations. Dedication to first response and a necessity to restore order when there are accidents require folks who do these jobs to take risks every day.

But what about highway stops that aren’t emergent? What about the makeshift inspection areas and portable scales Wisconsin (and other states) employ? Is it really safe to do vehicle inspection roadside?

Improperly maintained commercial equipment is unquestionably dangerous. Regardless of “move over” laws, there’s also no question the odds of someone getting hit increase with every second spent on the side of the road.

Which is the greater danger?

There is an expectation of good judgment from law enforcement. In addition, equipment maintenance requires the same good judgment from operators. Yet here we are again, asking the same questions.

The “commercial safety blitz” season will soon be upon us. Does a “blitz” mentality of enforcing commercial vehicle maintenance and safety create an unsafe atmosphere? Announcing specific dates and areas of inspection may encourage precursory equipment upgrades from the competent operator. It also lets those who aren’t as responsible have specific dates to “take a vacation.”

This week, Milwaukee County, Wis., Sheriff Richard Schmidt implemented a Joint Truck Enforcement Task Force. Expect the use of roadside inspections. Sheriff Schmidt promises fines for trucking companies that don’t maintain their trucks properly.

Let’s hope the safety they create by enforcing safety doesn’t impede safety.