Prince George, B.C.-  You've seen them, Vehicle Identification Numbers , the unique number plates mounted on the front of vehicles on different colored plate, they contain the name of the company and a number to identify the vehicle.

VIN’s are often required by licencees and contractors, and provide an easy way to identify vehicles.  This makes drivers and owners more accountable for their actions on the road. "There's no room on forestry roads for aggressive or careless driving," says Minister of Forests and Range Pat Bell. "We can only correct unsafe driving if we are able to track the vehicle back to the responsible driver or company. There are now about 5,000 forestry vehicles and logging trucks carrying special plates designed to help road users identify and report dangerous incidents."

Originated by Canfor, the Vehicle Identification Number Plates Program was subsequently adopted and expanded by Forestry TruckSafe. The program involves a special plate mounted to the front bumper of a registered
truck or vehicle.

The special plate, supported by an online registry and a TruckSafe hotline, makes it simpler and easier to report unsafe driving incidents.

Road users can access the registry to identify the vehicle owner, and then contact the company directly to report the event or to file a complaint. Or they have the option to request TruckSafe to follow-up with the company involved.

"The identification plates program has proven effective in enabling the forest sector to self-monitor and be more accountable for its driving performance," said MaryAnne Arcand, Forestry TruckSafe director. "The
online registry will give us an even better grip on unsafe driving. It can also be used as a way to highlight good driving records and safe operators behind the wheel."

The Vehicle Identification Number Program is voluntary, and has been widely implemented in several regions of the province, including the Omineca, Bulkley-Nechako and North Thompson. Forestry TruckSafe would
like to see it expanded provincewide to include other regions such as the Okanagan, Kootenays, and Vancouver Island.

The online registry for the Vehicle Identification Number Plates Program can be accessed at http://www.bcforestsafe.org/.