The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance plans to run its International Roadcheck May 16-18. This 72-hour inspection and enforcement marathon will be conducted by CVSA-certified personnel across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Truckers in the Lower 48 typically experience the highest volume of inspections and the lion’s share of citations and sidelining. These are the results of the 2022 initiative.
- 59,026 inspections were conducted.
- 12,456 commercial motor vehicles were put out of service.
- 3,714 commercial motor vehicle drivers sidelined.
Approximately 25 percent of all braking systems failed to meet safety standards. Subsequently, 4,592 trucks were handed violations. Given brake issues were the leading violation in 2022, the CVSA plans to make it a point of emphasis in 2023.
The CVSA notes that a subpar ABS is not necessarily an out-of-service violation but plays a crucial highway safety role. Their ability to prevent brakes from locking up allows skilled truckers to maintain control of the rig during emergencies. In addition to strenuous ABS checks, CVSA inspectors plan to assess loads. It appears they plan to take a deep dive into how cargo is secured in place and balanced on trailers. This is how the CVSA articulated its three-day inspection focus.
- Vehicle Safety: Inspectors will ensure the vehicle’s brake systems, cargo securement, coupling devices, driveline/driveshaft components, driver’s seat, fuel and exhaust systems, frames, lighting devices, steering mechanisms, suspensions, tires, wheels, rims, hubs and windshield wipers are compliant with regulations. Inspections of motorcoaches, passenger vans, and other passenger-carrying vehicles include emergency exits, seating, and electrical cables and systems in the engine and battery compartments.
- Driver Safety: Inspectors will check the driver’s operating credentials, hours-of-service documentation, status in the drug and alcohol clearinghouse, seat belt usage, and for alcohol and/or drug impairment.
Truckers whose Class 8 commercial motor vehicles pass a Level I or V inspection can receive a CVSA decal if desired. The sticker is good for three months and notes the roadworthiness of the rig. Those who do not pass muster could be restricted from operating until the identified out-of-service conditions have been corrected. The same holds for truckers found in violation of hours of service mandates or those deemed impaired.
Owner-operators and fleets must make sure vehicles and drivers are in full compliance heading into May. For more information about this year’s International Roadcheck, visit the CVSA website.
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