RI State Police Conduct Mock Truck Inspection for 100+ Contractors

PROVIDENCE, RI – Troopers from the Rhode Island State Police Commercial Enforcement Unit earlier today conducted a mock truck inspection for about 100 landscape contractors from throughout New England to help promote compliance with motor vehicle laws and safety regulations.
Troopers Bergeron and Pasley conducted the inspection during the Northeast Hardscape Exhibition at the Rhode Island Convention Center. Using one of the landscaper’s trucks, they showed the group what state police look for during truck inspections — including the condition of the vehicle, the security of its load, required documents and other issues needed to comply with state and federal requirements.

Raymond Mello, owner of R. Mello Trucking of Portsmouth, RI, one of the organizers of the event, was among those who appreciated the State Police taking the time to explain what is required during an inspection. “A lot of these guys operate small trucks and they don’t think that they’re part of the big truck world; but when it comes to violations, they are.”
Trooper Bergeron said members of the Commercial Enforcement Unit are often asked by local companies to conduct small-group presentations on compliance, driver safety and other issues. They’ve also conducted these types of mock inspections for members of the Rhode Island Nursery and Landscape Association for several years, however this is the first time it was done for such a large group during a regional exhibition.
The goal, Trooper Pasley explained, is to educate the company owners and truck drivers as to what’s needed to be in compliance, to help ensure their safety and that of everyone on the roads.
The troopers spent about a half-hour conducting the inspection, explaining how they do it and what they’re looking for, and then spent another half-hour answering questions. One contractor was surprised to learn that his drivers needed medical cards. Another didn’t realize that anything carried in the back of his truck needed to be secured and/or covered.
Mike Ferreira, owner of Aquidneck Landscape Service of Portsmouth, RI, said he didn’t realize his brand new truck – the one being used for the presentation – needed to be inspected right away since that’s not immediately required for new cars.
That’s why this type of presentation is so helpful, Ferreira said. “We’re not truckers — we’re landscapers. We don’t know the laws as good as we should. I think it’s awesome, spectacular, that they (the Rhode Island State Police) take the time to go over everything with us instead of just pulling us over.”