The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) took a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) out of service after a traffic stop for a malfunctioning turn signal led to an inspection that revealed multiple equipment-related violations.
In an August 11 social media post, Tennessee officers urged truck drivers to check their equipment following a recent encounter with a poorly maintained commercial vehicle.
A traffic stop was conducted after an officer spotted a CMV with a malfunctioning turn signal.
“What began as a routine traffic violation led to a Level II inspection that revealed several serious safety defects,” the state police stated.
THP
Equipment issues detected during the inspection included:
- Leak in the outer hub of axle 1
- All taillights were not working, including the turn signals, taillights, and brake lights
- The mounting for the lowered axle frame completely broke off at the bracket near the bolt holes while the axle was in use and the truck was fully loaded
- Loose U-bolt, allowing the axle to shift when the wheels turned
Due to these equipment-related violations, the commercial vehicle was taken out of service.
THP
“This inspection is another example of why commercial vehicle inspections are so important. Detecting serious mechanical defects before they cause an accident can make all the difference,” stated the THP.
