This year’s annual International Roadcheck conducted by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) will run from May 17-19. The purpose of the 72-hour event is to improve the safety of drivers and commercial vehicles. All drivers must provide the necessary credentials and documentation, so it’s critical that you get your entire team prepared for this ordeal. Here’s what you need to know.
Overview of the CVSA International Roadcheck
The International Roadcheck inspections take place throughout North America and ask that all commercial truck drivers participate in on-the-spot inspections taking place at standard inspection and weigh stations, as well as temporary inspection sites. Successful inspections will receive a CVSA decal.
Each year, the CVSA chooses a specific area to focus on. For instance, in 2019, the focus was on suspension and steering systems. In 2020, driver requirements were the highlight. This year, in addition to passing a North American Standard Level 1 or V inspection, the primary focus is on wheel ends and all components that factor into the stability and support of heavy loads and braking safety.
Statistics indicate that approximately 25% of wheel-end violations are found during the annual Roadcheck blitz inspections, so it’s important that you take some time to prepare.
Why the Roadcheck is Important
All commercial vehicle drivers without a valid CVSA decal are strongly encouraged to prepare and participate in the Roadcheck. According to CVSA, “a vehicle with a valid CVSA decal will not be re-inspected during a 3-month period.”
Most inspectors conduct the North American Level I inspection, which consists of a 37-step procedure involving a thorough evaluation of the vehicle. During 2021, out of 23,135 Level I inspections, 1,200 drivers and 5,048 vehicles were in violation and taken off the road.
Most Common Out of Service (OOS) Violations
The CVSA is partnered with government offices including the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators, and Mexico’s Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation during the International 72-hour inspection event, making them well equipped to inspect tens of thousands of vehicles each year. Without question, it is worth the time and effort to prepare vehicles and truck drivers for the Roadcheck.
Some of the most common violations include issues with lighting and hours-of-service (HOS). In 2021, the top five driver OOS violations included HOS, false logs, suspended license, or wrong class license, while the most common vehicle issues included tires, lights, braking, and proper cargo securement.
How to Prepare for the 2022 Roadcheck
As roadside inspectors place more attention on the wheel-end inspection this year, it’s well worth being familiar with what that entails.
The Wheel-Ends Inspection
Special emphasis is placed on the Wheel-Ends Inspection for 2022 because failure of any part of this could ultimately result in catastrophe. Truck drivers should be routinely inspecting these items before and after each trip as a preventive measure in identifying potential problems.
During the Roadcheck, inspectors will assess the condition of wheels, tires, hubs, fasteners, and seals, looking for any damaged parts, missing fasteners, plugs, or caps, lubricant leaks, and checking for proper tire inflation. Here is a detailed checklist.
What Else to Expect
In addition to wheel-ends, the inspector will be evaluating the overall condition of commercial vehicles. This involves checking the windshield wipers, major systems including driving, steering, fuel, and exhaust, conducting a visual walk-around assessment of the vehicle and inspecting the undercarriage.
Drivers will be checked for proper documentation including the correct license class and up-to-date, valid CDL. You should also expect a review of HOS logs and medical card info, as well as an analysis of driver safety habits such as proper seatbelt use and checking for signs of drug/alcohol use or sleep deprivation.
How Carriers Should Prepare
Carriers can help protect and prepare their fleet and drivers by checking the following:
- Verify all credentials are current and properly filed
- Confirm drivers are accurately assigned to the correct driving class and have valid CDL and medical card info
- Be sure all vehicles are up-to-date in maintenance and annual inspections
- Review inspection details with all drivers.
To help things along, you should also consider having one or two people who are well-versed on all of the requirements and available for questions if a driver needs help. Just by stating that there’s an open line of communication, you could help your entire fleet avoid a bigger issuer down the road.
Lastly, remember that driver safety is something you should always keep at the top of your list. If you’re not already on a preventative maintenance schedule, investing in driver safety technology, or supporting your drivers with a good benefits program, it’s a great time of the year to look into those opportunities, too.
Once you have your ducks in a row, everyone in your fleet can be confident that this year’s road check will go off without a hitch.
Stay Informed
The 2022 Roadcheck is just around the corner, but that’s far from the only news on your mind. The trucking industry is growing fast and regulations, innovations, and events are popping up all the time. If you’re wondering how to stay on top of it all as a trucking industry professional, TCI can help.
With decades of experience in the industry, we know a thing or two about what’s on your mind. Connect with TCI today and stay abreast of current trucking-focused news and events so you never miss a beat.
