On June 4th– 6th International Roadcheck will begin in North America. Within this 72-hour period, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) will conduct random inspections on 17 commercial vehicles and their drivers every minute.
Every year, International Roadcheck places a special emphasis on a specific category of violations. In 2019 the emphasis is on steering and suspension systems.
“Steering and suspension are safety critical systems for any commercial motor vehicle,” says CVSA President Chief Jay Thompson with the Arkansas Highway Police. “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.”
CVSA Level Inspections will primarily conduct the North American Standard Level 1 Inspection. This is a 37 step procedure that includes examining driver requirements and vehicle maintenance. Inspectors may decide to also conduct the Level 2 Walk-Around Driver/Vehicle Inspection, Level 3 Driver/Credential/Administrative Inspection or the Level 4 Vehicle-Only Inspection.
If there are no critical vehicle violations found during the inspection, a CVSA decal will be applied to the vehicle which indicates the vehicle successfully passed inspection.
During inspections if the vehicle is found in violation, the CVSA inspector can render the vehicle as out-of-service. The vehicle cannot be operated until the violation is corrected. This can also apply to the driver. He or she can be placed out-of-service if the driver credential-related issues or driver conditions, such as fatigue or impairment.
Here are some tips to help you be ready for inspection:
- Be inspection ready
In preparation, drivers should have their license/CDL, registration, insurance, any applicable lease agreement, Medical Examiners Certificate, daily vehicle inspection report, shipping papers, and record of duty status. - A thorough pre-trip inspection:
Common reasons for failed inspections are caused from brakes, lights and tires. Make sure to check the tire pressure as well as the tread depth. Look for any exhaust leaks, turn signals, headlights, tail and brake lights. Also check under the hood (engine, hoses and wiring) and major safety components. - Hours of Service Rules
Drivers should be aware of how the hours of service rules work. Along with specific hours of service rules that may apply to them and exemptions they may qualify for. -
Electronic Logging Compliant (ELD)
Now that the ELD mandate is in full effect, non-compliance with the ELD regulations and the improper use of ELD are now essential elements of any roadside inspection. ELD violations can place driver out of service so it is important to make sure drivers understand the ELD mandate, violations and regulations in order to pass inspections. - Obey traffic rules
Drivers with traffic violations may stand out more and could run the risk of being more likely to get pulled over for a roadside inspection.A few tips include:
- Stay off your cell phone
- Wear your seatbelt correctly
- Obey traffic signals and road signs
- Avoid speeding and harsh driving
Since the inception of International Roadcheck in 1988, it has become the largest targeted enforcement program on commercial motor vehicles in the world. More than 1.6 million roadside inspections have been conducted during International Roadcheck campaigns began.
Sources:
https://www.fleetowner.com/roadside-inspections/how-ace-roadside-inspection
https://cvsa.org/news-entry/2019-roadcheck-dates-focus/
