The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance had recently scheduled the International Roadcheck event for May 16 – 18, which was announced by the CVSA on February 28th. There are plans to establish an emphasis on both anti-lock braking systems and cargo securements.
The International Roadcheck is a high volume 72-hour inspection and enforcement event that has CVSA-certified inspectors located in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. These inspectors will conduct inspections of commercial motor vehicles and drivers at weigh and inspection stations, established inspection areas, and even along roadways. The inspectors will be gathering data over the course of the three days, which will be shared later in the year. The data will be used to give some insight into the state of commercial motor vehicles and driver safety as well.
The International Roadcheck will also help provide an opportunity to educate the motor carrier industry about the importance of safe commercial motor vehicle operations.
A routine North American Standard Level I Inspection ultimately focuses on two main areas: driver and safety compliance. The inspectors will be inspecting brake systems, cargo securement, coupling devices, driveline/driveshaft components, driver’s seat, fuel and exhaust systems, frames, lighting devices, steering mechanisms, suspensions, tires, wheels, rims, hubs and windshield wipers are in check with regulations.
The inspections of motor coaches, passenger vans and other passenger vehicles will be inspecting emergency exits, seating, and electrical cables and systems in the engine and battery compartments.
As for the driver inspections, inspectors will be checking the operator credentials, hours of service documentation, their status in the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, seat belt usage, and, of course, for alcohol and/or drug impairment. For the vehicles that pass either a Level I or Level V Inspection without any item violations, they will receive a CVSA decal, which is valid for three months. When an inspector identifies a critical inspection item violation, the vehicle will be restricted from operation until the violation has been corrected.
A Level I inspection, known as the North American Standard Inspection, is conducted at MVD offices or law enforcement officers. They are looking for title requests, bonded titles, and out of state or country vehicles without proof of title or registrations. Level V inspections are executed without a driver present. This typically involves the brake system, steering mechanisms, suspensions, and electrical cables.
Inspections could also include a Level II inspections, known as the Walk-Around Driver/Vehicle inspection. Level III inspections are Driver-only inspections. This will ultimately look at the driver’s credentials. Finally, Level IV inspections are known as special inspections.
The inspectors may take it a step further and restrict the driver themselves if they are found driving out-of-service violations. This could include operating the vehicle without a valid or correct license or even showing signs of impairment.
The CVSA’s law enforcement has jurisdiction over multiple cities, states, provinces, and territories in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. All of these areas will be participating in the. International Roadcheck, which provided support from the trucking associations, transportation safety organizations and federal agencies. This could include, but is not limited to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Transport Canada, and Mexico’s Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation.
Overall, the International Roadcheck is established by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance and runs throughout all of the jurisdictions the CVSA has power over. This includes: multiple cities, states, provinces, and territories in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Each inspector will be running Level I and Level V checks, and will have the power to shut down a truck or the driver themselves. The data compiled during the Roadcheck will be used to help improve driver and commercial driving safety.
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