Trooper in a Truck:
The Unusual Way Truckers are Helping Wisconsin State Troopers Tackle Dangerous Driving

Wisconsin State Troopers and Truck Drivers Team Up to Stop Distracted Driving

In a new effort to make roads safer, state troopers in Wisconsin are riding with truck drivers to spot and stop unsafe driving. This program, called “Trooper in a Truck,” aims to catch drivers who are texting, using cell phones, and driving recklessly.

Trooper in a Truck – The Concept

Truck drivers like Neal Leclaire, who has been driving since 1996, have a unique view of the road. From their high seats, they can see into cars and notice unsafe behaviors. Neal and his fellow drivers often see cars cutting them off and drivers distracted by their phones.

“Yeah, I got a good view. You can see into the cars that pass by,” said Neal.

In the “Trooper in a Truck” program, a state trooper rides in the passenger seat of a truck. The trooper can spot unsafe driving and then call nearby patrol cars to pull over the offending driver.

A Better View for Safety

Wisconsin State Patrol Inspector Tyler Kostos explains how the program works. “We can see distracted driving from a higher view on the road,” he said.

The main goal is to stop accidents before they happen. In 2023, there were over 5,500 crashes in Wisconsin due to reckless driving. These crashes led to more than 3,000 injuries and 137 deaths. Many of these accidents involved distracted or aggressive driving.

“Our main goal is to stop people who might cause crashes,” said Kostos.

The Human Impact of Trooper in a Truck

For those in the trucking industry, the risks of distracted driving are clear. Gillian Taylor of the Motor Carriers Association highlights the importance of safety for everyone. “Everyone on the road is someone’s family or friend. You don’t want to be the person who causes a tragedy,” she said.

Neal Leclaire has seen many changes in his years of driving. “When I started, very few people had cell phones,” he said. Despite these changes, the need for safe driving is still the same. Neal urges drivers to stay focused and patient to keep everyone safe.

A National Effort of the Trooper in a Truck Program

The success of “Trooper in a Truck” in Wisconsin has sparked interest in other states. A similar program in Nebraska, launched with the Nebraska State Patrol and the Nebraska Trucking Association, aims to replicate these results. This program also places troopers in trucks to monitor and stop unsafe driving.

The teamwork between state police and truck drivers not only targets bad drivers but also helps troopers understand the challenges of truck driving. This approach is expected to improve road safety and reduce accidents.

As “Trooper in a Truck” gains popularity, it shows promise in making highways across the country safer. By combining the expertise of truck drivers with the enforcement skills of state troopers, this program aims to save lives and promote safe driving habits.

Source: TMJ4 News Milwaukee, Wisconsin