Due to concerns about public health and safety in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) postponed its annual International Roadcheck back in March. While it was previously scheduled for May 5-7, the CVSA recently announced that the event has been officially rescheduled for Sept. 9-11, 2020.
The International Roadcheck is an annual, three-day enforcement initiative that emphasizes the importance of commercial motor vehicle and driver safety through a blitz of high-visibility roadside inspections across North America. During the event, an influx of CVSA-certified inspectors take to the roads and conduct the North American Standard Level I Inspection. The inspections include 37 steps that pertain to both driver operating requirements and vehicle mechanical fitness.
The CVSA establishes a specific emphasis each year for inspections. Last year’s focus was on steering and suspension systems, while this year’s will be on driver requirements.
Per that theme, each roadcheck inspection will verify drivers’ documentation, identify the motor carrier, examine the driver’s license or commercial driver’s license, check records of duty status and review periodic inspection reports. Inspectors may also check drivers’ medical examiner certificates, medical variance documents, skill performance evaluation certificates and daily vehicle inspection reports. Other driver-related steps of inspections include seat belt usage, illness, fatigue, and drug or alcohol possession or impairment.
Vehicle-related steps to the standard inspection include checking on critical vehicle components, such as the following:
- Brake systems
- Cargo securement
- Coupling devices
- Fuel systems
- Lighting devices
- Steering mechanisms
- Tires
- Wheels
- Driver’s seats
- Driveline/driveshaft components
- Exhaust systems
- Frames
- Suspensions
- Van and open-top trailer bodies
- Rims and hubs
- Windshield wipers
Click here for additional CVSA guidance on how to prepare for the annual event. For more commercial driving resources and insurance solutions, contact us today.
