The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) performed its annual International Roadcheck earlier this year. This three-day enforcement initiative by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) focuses on commercial motor vehicle safety and compliance with North American safety standards.
As a commercial truck driver, you may be required to comply with an international roadcheck at some point in your career. These random checks are conducted by law enforcement officials in order to ensure that all trucks on the road are safe and compliant with regulations.
This Years Focus
Each year, CVSA focuses on a particular compliance with last year being lighting and hours of operation. This year, their focus was on wheel-end compliance, which includes wheels, hubs, and tires on commercial vehicles. According to the CVSA, wheel-end compliance violations are some of the most common found during inspections.
Wheel end components play an extremely important part in supporting the heavy loads of commercial vehicles. They also help provide stability and control, protect against wheel damage, and are critical for braking.
The Results Are In
The CVSA has given us the results on how the inspection on May 17-19 went. This year, the CVSA-certified inspectors conducted just under 60,000 inspections and placed 12,456 commercial motor vehicles and 3,714 commercial motor vehicle drivers out of service. When this happens, it means that the inspector finds critical violations during a roadside inspection.
The top five vehicle OOS violations in the U.S. are:
- Brake Systems
- Tires
- Defective Service Brakes
- Lights
- Cargo Securement
Out of the total vehicle out of service violations, 18.5% were due to wheel end violations.
What Happens?
During an international roadcheck, officers will typically check for things like proper registration, insurance, and licenses. They will also inspect the truck itself to make sure that it is in good working order and does not have any mechanical issues.
Vehicles that pass an inspection without any critical violations can receive a CVSA decal which is valid for three months. This helps inspectors focus on vehicles without a valid CVSA decal.
Some of the things that inspectors looked for:
- Cracks or unseated locking rings, studs or clamps
- Bent, cracked or broken rims
- Loose, broken or missing wheel fasteners, caps or plugs
- Tread wear and depth
- Exposed fabric or cord
- All tire inflation levels
Preventing CDL Violations
While Roadcheck is a time to be extra vigilant about safety, it’s also an opportunity to learn more about the inspection process and what inspectors are looking for. By understanding what they’re checking for, you can help ensure that your vehicles are in compliance and avoid any penalties or delays.
Here are a few tips to help you prepare for a future Roadcheck:
– Review the hours-of-service regulations. Make sure you are familiar with the rules and that you are in compliance.
– Inspect your vehicle before setting out on your trip. Check tires, lights, brakes, and other critical components to make sure they are in good working order.
– Make sure your paperwork is in order. This includes your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance.
– Be prepared for the inspection. When the inspector asks to see your logbook, have it readily available.
– If you are placed out-of-service, don’t despair. There are resources available to help you get back on the road as quickly as possible.
Roadcheck is a great opportunity for commercial motor vehicle drivers and carriers to show their commitment to safety. By being prepared and conducting a thorough pre-trip inspection, you can help make sure that everyone gets home safely at the end of the day.