RoadCheck Report Reveals U.S. Vehicle Violations Surpass North American Average

Commercial motor vehicle enforcement personnel in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. conducted 48,761 inspections during this year’s International Roadcheck. 23% percent of commercial motor vehicles and 5% of commercial motor vehicle drivers were put out-of-service (OOS).

Commercial motor vehicle enforcement personnel found 13,567 vehicle, 2,714 driver and 163 hazardous materials/dangerous goods (HM/DG) out of service (OOS) violations, and placing 9,345 commercial motor vehicle combinations and 2,290 drivers out of service.

The 2023 OOS rate for vehicles was 19% and 5.5% for drivers. As of August 30, the national average for vehicle OOS violations was 22.26% and 6.67% for driver OOS violations.

CVSA Certified Inspectors Performed the following during the three-day blitz:

24,232 Level I Inspections
9,955 Level II Inspections
8,145 Level III Inspections. 

The top vehicle violation was for defective brakes (3,093)
The top driver violation was hours of service (845)
Loading was the top hazmat violation (60).

The focus of this year’s campaign was tractor protection system  (TPS), including the tractor protection valve, trailer supply valve and anti-bleed-back valve. Inspectors identified 564 TPS-related violations on commercial motor vehicle combinations.

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Reference – https://www.cvsa.org/news/2024-roadcheck-results/

More About CVSA RoadCheck

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) International Roadcheck is an annual, three-day event aimed at enhancing safety through rigorous inspections of commercial motor vehicles and drivers across North America. Let’s break down what’s in store for the 2024 Roadcheck:

How the Inspections Work

CVSA-certified law enforcement officials will be conducting inspections with a focus on the North American Standard Level I Inspection—a 37-step process that meticulously examines both vehicle components and driver credentials. But that’s not all. Depending on the situation, inspectors might also perform:

• Level II: A walk-around driver and vehicle inspection.
• Level III: A more targeted check of driver credentials and administrative documents.
• Level V: A vehicle-only inspection to ensure everything’s in working order.

2024 Focus Areas

Each year, CVSA highlights specific areas during inspections. In 2024, inspectors will be focusing heavily on:

• Tractor Protection Systems: Special attention will be given to components like the tractor protection valve, trailer supply valve, and anti-bleed back valve.
• Alcohol and Controlled Substances: Inspectors will be on high alert for drivers who may be under the influence or in violation of substance-related regulations. In the U.S., expect additional scrutiny related to prohibited drivers flagged in the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse.

What’s Under Inspection?

During a Level I inspection, the following areas will be examined:

• Vehicle Components: This includes the brake system, cargo securement, tires, lights, steering, suspension, exhaust, and more.
• Driver Compliance: Inspectors will review credentials, hours-of-service logs, seat belt use, and any indicators of impairment.

Vehicles passing inspections without critical violations may receive a CVSA decal, certifying that the vehicle is compliant for up to three months.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Any vehicle or driver found to have an out-of-service (OOS) violation will be sidelined until the issue is resolved. On the other hand, vehicles and drivers that pass with flying colors earn a CVSA decal, symbolizing adherence to the highest safety standards.

How to Prepare

To stay compliant and avoid costly violations, here are some essential tips:

• Distribute CVSA’s inspection cheat sheets to drivers and maintenance crews to ensure everyone is on the same page.
• Audit your preventive maintenance programs well ahead of time.
• Ensure drivers are well-versed in company policies surrounding alcohol and controlled substances.
• Regularly check the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse for any prohibited drivers, especially for U.S.-based operations.

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