Rope in gearbox, bald tires: Thornton police show unsafe vehicles on Colorado roadways

Yahoo

28-05-2025

DENVER (KDVR) — The Thornton Police Department said it removed several vehicles and drivers from Colorado roadways in a recent commercial vehicle operation.
The efforts were part of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance International Roadcheck, a three-day effort for law enforcement to focus on commercial vehicle safety, compliance and education.
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The police department said it uncovered 68 violations in the course of the event and removed seven vehicles and five drivers from service.
The agency also found a vehicle with fictitious plates, as well as three unlicensed drivers and one driver who was in possession of drugs.
'The photos show just how dangerous some of these vehicles were — from bald tires to a steering gearbox held on with rope,' the agency said.
Last month, Douglas County Sheriff's Office deputies and Colorado State Patrol troopers partnered on an operation to remove unsafe commercial vehicles and drivers from the state's roadways, ultimately taking seven commercial vehicles and four commercial vehicle drivers out of service.
In 2024, a commercial vehicle crashed on U.S. 285, killing one person and injuring others. A trucking industry expert told the Problem Solvers that the crash shows that enforcement of the vehicles is crucial to road safety.
An arrest affidavit said the driver told troopers his brakes went out, but investigators measuring skids on the pavement determined the truck's brakes were working, although well below the minimum requirements. Investigators also reported that the truck had not been inspected since 2020. Colorado State Patrol said that the driver was convicted of speeding and operating without lawfully required equipment in 2022.
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