T-Force Toolkit: Increasing Truck and Bus Traffic Enforcement

08/10/2016

 

For a variety of reasons, routine traffic stops with large trucks and buses occur significantly less than traffic stops with passenger vehicles. Considering the detrimental effects of these crashes, it is critical that we incorporate truck/bus traffic enforcement into existing highway safety activities.

With this growing issue in mind, UMassSafe developed T-Force, Truck and Bus Traffic Enforcement Toolkit, providing a free one stop shopping tool for resources geared toward traffic patrol officers.  T-Force is a three-part program with a goal of increasing the enforcement of moving violations such as speeding and lane violations.  Different than programs aiming to inform specialized Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP) officers, this information is intended for a wider audience, particularly officers conducting regular traffic enforcement.

The T-Force Toolkit is comprised of three main sections; including Fast Facts, Instructors Portal and Web Resources. 

Fast Facts:  This section of the Toolkit offers detailed information regarding the importance of traffic stops with trucks/buses, strategies for maintaining officer safety, how truck/bus traffic stops are different than those with passenger cars, the process of conducting an effective traffic stop and the details involved in CDL.   Users can move quickly through this interactive tool, accessing only the information they need.  

Instructors Portal:  This section provides access to all of the materials needed to conduct the Safe and Effective Traffic Stops: Truck and Bus Traffic Enforcement training. This training, developed by UMassSafe, is currently being taught in several states across the country for local and state traffic patrol officers.  Instructors can access all course materials on the website, including a guide for both instructors and participants as well as the PowerPoint presentation.  

Web Resources: The web resources section provides access to an online library of videos, a discussion board to ask and answer questions, and links to other trainings and online resources.