SALEM (AP) — An increase in the number of crashes involving heavy trucks has led to a new state safety program in Oregon.

The total truck miles traveled increased 8 percent from 2001 to 2006 while the truck crash rate increased 23 percent and the truck-at-fault crash rate increased 22 percent, according to Oregon Department of Transportation figures.

In response, ODOT is launching a safety program to assess the problem, improve safety and find ways to reduce the number of crashes.

One new strategy mentioned in the plan is to hold special driver inspection events involving safety specialists and enforcement officers.

Oregon also has built up a partnership with about 1,000 motor carriers who have exceptional safety and regulatory compliance records, recognizing them as “trusted carrier partners,” a unique feature of the Oregon safety program.

Because of their records, trusted carriers have lower insurance rates, less equipment downtime, fewer driver injuries and decreased costs.

“To our knowledge, no other states have a plan like this,” said David McKane, ODOT Motor Carrier Investigations, Safety and Federal Programs manager. “We think it’s a fresh approach to addressing a serious problem.”

Last year, police and highway officials ran a series of special enforcement operations, placing more than 1,200 drivers — about a quarter of those inspected — out of service, well above the national average of 7 percent.

The most common type of violations included inaccurate logbooks and driving too many hours without a break.