Michigan, Indiana, Ohio Team Up For I-94 Commercial Vehicle Operation

NEW BUFFALO, Mich. (WWJ/AP) - Police in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio are planning a coordinated enforcement operation that seeks to reduce commercial vehicle crashes along the I-94 corridor and other major freeways.

The effort involving Michigan State Police, Indiana State Police and the Ohio State Highway Patrol takes place Dec. 5 through Dec. 9.

The enforcement operation is dubbed "Eyes on 94." Motor carrier officers will focus on violations by commercial vehicles that are most likely to contribute to a crash, including speeding, following too closely, improper passing, distracted driving and improper lane use.

The initiative is part of the "Toward Zero Deaths" traffic safety campaign, which is based on the national strategy on highway safety.

Capt. Michael Krumm, commander of the MSP Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division, said the I-94 corridor was chosen because it is prone to weather-related crashes this time of year. Last January, two people were killed when two semi-trucks collided, causing a pileup of more than 40 cars and trucks. Another crash involved 12 vehicles in the westbound lanes. Police say the crash was a vivid illustration of the dangers of traveling too fast on icy and snowy roads.

"This enforcement effort is a great example of the commitment by the MSP, Indiana State Police and Ohio State Highway Patrol to reach our common goal of increasing traffic safety and reducing crashes," Krumm said in a statement. "In 2015, Michigan saw a 20 percent reduction in fatal crashes involving commercial motor vehicles, and operations like this help to ensure that our busiest roadways are also our safest."

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