Help Inc., announced that two of its new technologies will be used to electronically screen all trucks for compliance with state and federal safety information, driver and company credentials and weight requirements on I-70 in Indiana, Ohio and Illinois.
“By focusing on the carriers with the greatest propensity for mechanical, driver and cargo violations, our effectiveness is amplified. If we, as administrators, can increase the effectiveness of our officers and inspectors through the utilization of more efficient technologies, we can improve safety to the motoring public while minimizing costly carrier delays associated with a more random selection methodology,” said Major Jeffrey Walker, commander of the Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division.
Before trucks reach a weigh station, the new 5.9 GHz generation of PrePass in-cab technology electronically identifies the driver and company for compliance screening. If no compliance issues are found, the driver is able to bypass the inspection facility without stopping. However, if a compliance issue is found, the driver can be instructed to stop for further investigation and inspection.
“These new technologies and capabilities for our inspectors will streamline our screening procedures by enabling the state police to make a more informed decision regarding which vehicles are selected for further inspection. Having all the information needed in one place and on one system will save valuable time for our inspectors,” Major Walker added.
With Help’s other technology, 360SmartView, all motor carriers coming into inspection facilities are electronically identified and screened using cameras that read license plates and U.S. DOT numbers. Enforcement officers’ inspection selection decisions are enhanced by 360SmartView, which displays information about the carrier, collected from more than 90 government sources in a matter of seconds.
“An important element of the motor carrier division’s job is to ensure trucks and drivers are compliant with state and federal safety, weight, credential and tax requirements,” said Deputy Commissioner of the Indiana Department of Revenue Jim Poe. “This technology allows law enforcement to work with multiple state and federal agencies and identify noncompliant carriers, which helps enforcement officials get bad trucks and unsafe drivers off the road.”
In addition to making the roads safer, these technologies also benefit the truck drivers. “If trucks aren’t moving, they’re not making money,” said Help President and CEO Rick Clasby. “We believe these technologies can help expedite travel for the truck driver in addition to making the weigh station process more efficient for both the driver and law enforcement.”
