Like it or not, 18-wheelers rule the road both in size and threat.
"It's the most dangerous vehicle on the road," Rick Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez makes a living by making sure big-rigs don't turn into big problems for other drivers.
"I think of the safety of my family... the public... making sure everything's in compliance," he said.
As a commercial safety vehicle inspector, Gonzalez has teamed up with DPS troopers in the Valley as part of a 3-day federal regulation inspection push under a program called Road Check 2010.
Equipment compliance, license checks and safety logs are all areas inspected.
Daniel Balderas is a trucker from Brownsville.
Ryan: "Are trucks safe?”
Daniel: “They should be.”
Ryan: “But you're not saying they are... Does that mean you know some of them could be dangerous?”
Daniel: “Well some are."
As it turns out, his own company truck for VC Transport is deemed unsafe for the roads.
Gonzalez made a troubling discovery during the inspection of his commercial vehicle.
"Broken u-bolt,” Gonzalez said.
We asked what could happen if left unrepaired.
"It could become unfastened some more and the axle could fall off," Gonzalez answered.
Trooper Johnny Hernandez, a DPS spokesperson, said thousands of vehicles just like his are taken off the streets after failing a safety inspection.
“These are placed out of service so they get a citation,” Trooper Hernandez explained. “This vehicle stays here until it gets fixed."
Regular drivers said they fear more about fallen debris from loads that are unsecured on commercial vehicles than anything else.
Most of the time it can result in broken windshields and costly repairs.
Trooper Hernandez said his agency will ticket and fine commercial vehicle drivers who break that law, but he admits, many violators go undetected by law enforcement.
Balderas said drivers should always be on alert near big-rigs.
“Stay away from them,” he said.
A smart travel plan for anywhere you drive.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forKGBT