Oklahoma – An Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper identified a significant structural defect on a commercial trailer during a routine safety inspection last week, preventing what could have been a dangerous incident on the road.
Trooper Heath Ragland, assigned to Troop S (Commercial Motor Vehicle Enforcement), conducted a Level 2 walk-around inspection on a truck-tractor semi-trailer combination. During the inspection, he noticed what appeared to be a structural crack near the tandem axles of the trailer.
Upon closer examination underneath the trailer, Trooper Ragland confirmed that the trailer’s frame was cracked on both the driver and passenger sides. Since the trailer’s frame is not intended to bear structural load, the damage posed a serious risk of collapse if the vehicle had continued operating.
Recognizing the potential threat to public safety, Trooper Ragland immediately placed the trailer out of service. The transportation company responsible for the vehicle responded promptly, arranging for the trailer to be towed to a repair facility.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol highlighted the inspection as an example of the vital role commercial vehicle enforcement officers play in ensuring the safety of highways and preventing potentially catastrophic failures.
Troop S continues to perform daily inspections to reduce roadway hazards and maintain public safety across the state.
