Nevada's trucking industry is applauding a move by the state government to use technology to further speed inspections of commercial vehicles and routine checks of their drivers.
The new technology, which will be rolled out during the next three years, will allow the Nevada Department of Transportation to instanteously weigh, check the credentials and conduct axle-weight screening of buses and trucks.
And trucks and tour buses that are pre-certified and equipped with transponders will be able to bypass inspection stations after a quick electronic verification of their safety records and credentials of their drivers.
"It's a huge help," said Paul Enos, chief executive officer of the Nevada Motor Transport Association. "Anything that can keep us moving freight in an efficient and safe manner is welcome."
He noted that Nevada's decision to roll out more technology is part of a nationwide move to improve truckers' efficiency by reducing the time they wait at inspection stations.
Twelve other states also are involved in the expanded use of electronics in inspection of commercial vehicles. Nevada won a $1.2 million federal grant for the work.
More technology is just over the horizon, said Russ Law, a chief operational analysis engineer with NDOT. Roadside screening systems, for instance, might use infrared cameras to detect overheated or malfunctioning truck brakes.
Earlier uses of technology include roadside electronic screenings that allow Nevada Highway Patrol officers to tap into a national database to learn if a vehicle has a history of safety violations.
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