The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has announced the dates for this year’s International Roadcheck. Held each spring, this year’s Roadcheck will take place from May 4 to May 6 and will focus on lighting and hours of service.
“CVSA shares the dates of International Roadcheck in advance to remind motor carriers and drivers of the importance of proactive vehicle maintenance and driver readiness,” said CVSA President Sgt. John Samis with the Delaware State Police. “International Roadcheck also aims to raise awareness of the North American Standard Inspection Program and the essential highway safety rules and regulations in place to keep our roadways safe.”
During the 72-hour event, CVSA-certified inspectors throughout all of North America will conduct on-the-spot inspections of commercial motor vehicles and their drivers. In most cases, inspectors will conduct a North American Standard Level I Inspection, which looks for safety and compliance around a vehicle’s brake systems, cargo securement, exhaust systems, fuel systems, tires, steering mechanisms, suspensions, lighting devices, frames and driveline/driveshaft (among other items). Drivers will also be asked to provide proof of their operating credentials, medical cards, records of duty status and vehicle inspection reports and will also be evaluated for basic levels of driving safety – including whether they’re wearing a seatbelt, appear too fatigued to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle and whether there are any visible signs of alcohol or drug impairment.
If a vehicle and its driver pass the inspection, a CVSA decal will be applied to the vehicle. If violations are found, however, the driver and/or vehicle may be placed out of service immediately. These violations will impact the motor carrier’s Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) score.
During last year’s event, which focused on driver requirements, 20% of vehicles that underwent a Level I inspection were placed out of service. The top violation categories were brake systems, tires and lights.