CVSA 2019 International Roadcheck: 5 tips to prepare your fleet
May 24, 2019
The 2019 International Roadcheck conducted by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) will take place June 4-6. At weigh stations, inspection sites, and roving patrol locations along roadways, on-the-spot vehicle and driver checks will be conducted by CVSA-certified inspectors.
During this 72-hour period, law enforcement personnel and certified inspectors across the US, Canada and Mexico will conduct approximately 70,000 driver and vehicle inspections—nearly three times the daily average. All commercial motor vehicles, including straight trucks and buses as well as vehicles pulling trailers with a combined weight over 10,001 pounds, are subject to these intensive roadside checks.
Inspections will examine specific safety requirements relating to drivers, vehicles and cargo. If any item fails to meet safety standards, the driver and the vehicle can both be placed out-of-service until the failed requirement is restored to a safe operating condition.
Every year the CVSA places special emphasis on a category of violation and 2019 is specifically focused on steering and suspension. “Steering and suspension are safety critical systems for any commercial motor vehicle. 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."(Source: https://cvsa.org/news-entry/2019-roadcheck-dates-focus/)
Based on 2018 results published by CVSA, brake-related problems accounted for 30% of the vehicle out-of-service violations, excess hours-of-service accounted for 44% of driver violations, and improper load securement for 26% of cargo violations.
There's still time to get ready. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for a roadside inspection
1. Understand Level I Inspections.
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This is the most thorough roadside inspection; see North American Standard Inspection Program for an overview of the details.
2. Examine Your Cargo.
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Checks include safe load assessment, tail board and end gate security, cargo shifting/falling safeguards, blocking and bracing for visible cargo, and tie-down anchor points.
3. Check Tires Closely.
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Inspectors measure tread depth and pressure and check for items lodged between dual tires and deep cuts or bulges in sidewalls.
4. Prepare Your Drivers.
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Make sure drivers can provide valid licenses, medical cards and current hours-of-service records.
5. Inspect Your Vehicles.
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Other general systems to check include brakes, fuel, exhaust, coupling, frames, and safety items such as windshield wipers and lights. In 2019, steering and suspension is the special emphasis for this year's Roadcheck, so take extra notice while inspecting those systems in preparation.
If you're enrolled in a fleet management program, make sure to leverage the expertise your partner can provide. At Element, we have many programs designed to assist with all areas of Compliance and DOT, to include ELD, maintenance and strategic consulting that can help keep your drivers safe and your trucks productive and on the road.
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