(PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE)

As seen in the accompanying photos, the Israel Traffic Police Division operation pertained to heavy trucks, checking for documentation, load, and safety hazards.

It is explained by police that during the past five years, truck involvement in motor vehicle accidents was 25%, while trucks represent 2.7% of all vehicles on the road. It is also known that the involvement of a truck usually leads to more serious injuries or worse.

Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan and Police Chief Roni Alsheich has ordered making this a priority, and to remove unsafe trucks from the roadways. As such, the appropriate unit, which deal with heavy trucks, set up inspection stations. Such stations are being set up around Israel and will be operating in many areas.

The last operation was held in the Ashdod area, during which 53 summonses were issued including trucks being overweight in addition to 10 summonses for safety violations. Four licenses were suspended and 14 trucks were removed the road. Legal action will also take place against some of the companies employing the truck drivers.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem/Photo Credit: Police spokesman unit)