The annual CVSA (Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance) International Roadcheck will take place this year beginning June 4 – 6, 2019.  This is the 32nd year for this event, known to be the largest targeted enforcement program on commercial motor vehicles in the world.  The organization has on record that that nearly 17 trucks or buses are inspected every minute across North America during this 72-hour period! Here is some helpful fleet safety information to start educating your drivers about this event and its importance in assuring safe commercial vehicle operations, along with information in regards to the roadside inspection program. 

In 2018, there were over 67,000 Level I, II and III inspections by CVSA-certified inspectors in North America, including 7,282 inspections in Canada and 60,321 conducted in the United States.  Of these inspections, 21.6% of commercial motor vehicles inspected and 3.9% of all drivers inspected were placed out of service due to critical item violations. Of the inspections conducted, the top out-of-service violations for vehicles and drivers were:

• Vehicle: 
  • Brake systems= 28.4%
  • Brake adjustment= 16.3%
  • Tire/wheels= 19.1%
• Driver: 
  • Hours of service= 43.7%
  • Wrong class license= 21.4%
  • False record of duty status= 10.2%

Each year International Roadcheck places special emphasis on a category of violations. Last year’s special emphasis was on Hours of Service (which accounted for 43.7% of the total percentage of out-of-service violations in the United States). This year’s focus will be on Steering components and Suspension systems compliance.

According to CVSA President Chief Jay Thompson with the Arkansas Highway Police, “Steering and suspension are safety critical systems for any commercial motor vehicle.  Not only do they support the heavy loads carried by trucks and buses, but they also help maintain stability and control under acceleration and braking, keeping the vehicle safely on the road. Furthermore, they keep tires in alignment, reducing chances of uneven tire wear and possible tire failure, and they maximize the contact between the tires and the road to provide steering stability and good handling.”

Here are other helpful tips for motor carriers and drivers to ensure they are safe and have a successful 2019 Roadcheck:

Motor Carriers:

• Inform drivers about Roadcheck and what to expect
• Educate drivers on DOT transportation regulations and on company policy and procedures and ensure that all DOT regulations are being met
• Repair items noted on vehicle inspection reports and roadside inspections
• Discuss safety compliance and safe operations to drivers

Drivers:

• Always follow the rules of the road and buckle up
• Pre-inspect the condition of the vehicle, ensure the load is secure and mirrors are adjusted properly
• Obey speed limits and traffic signs.  Slow down in bad weather conditions and when driving in construction zones
• Maintain a safe following distance and check mirrors constantly
• Make safe lane changes, and only as necessary
• Focus on driving and avoid or minimize truck distractions such as eating, etc.
• Be fit for duty, never drive under the influence and be sure to get enough sleep before driving

The CVSA guide Understanding the North American Standard Inspection Program is shown below and can be downloaded by clicking here.  It is a very concise guide that reviews the Inspection Program, including a guide on Inspection levels and CVSA decals. 

Check out these links below for other helpful information to prepare for the 2019 Roadcheck

• Click here for more information on CVSA International Roadcheck 2019
• Click here for the International Roadcheck Checklist for Drivers
• Click here for the North American Standard Roadside Inspection Vehicle Cheat Sheet