CHP Conducts Pre-Dawn Sweep of Farm Labor Vehicles.

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 19, 1999--

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) sent out teams of officers in the early morning hours today, stopping 118 vehicles carrying farm workers in a statewide sweep to ensure safety for agricultural laborers.

CHP officers and motor vehicle inspectors pulled 36 vehicles out of service with serious safety violations.

"Farm workers deserve a safe trip to and from work," said CHP Commissioner D.O. Helmick. "Even one more crash of a farm labor vehicle is unacceptable."

Thirteen people were killed Aug. 9 in a farm labor vehicle crash west of Fresno when the van hit a truck/trailer rig.

The CHP strike forces checked vehicles carrying farm workers to determine if the vehicles were mechanically safe and properly certified and if drivers were licensed and trained.

The strike forces found 221 violations. Among them were: 20 unregistered vehicles; 29 vehicles with defective lights; five vehicles with defective tires and wheels; seven vehicles with defective brakes; 70 other equipment violations and 90 violations for lack of driver's license or farm labor vehicle driver's certificate and medical card.

"We intend to keep the pressure on to make sure all vehicles carrying farm workers are safe," Helmick said.