The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) recently announced that this year’s International Roadcheck is scheduled for May 14-16, 2024. 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 professionals take to the roads to conduct the following North American Standard (NAS) inspections on vehicles:
- Level I inspections consist of 37 steps and include an examination of commercial vehicles’ mechanical fitness and drivers’ operating requirements. They are the most common type of inspection during the event.
- Level II inspections generally include everything that can be checked without getting physically under the vehicle.
- Level III inspections include a review of driver requirements, such as a commercial driver’s license, vehicle documentation, cargo, a record of duty status, and other requirements.
- Level V inspections are equivalent to the Level I NAS inspection, except the drivers are absent. These normally occur after an incident or arrest.
The CVSA also establishes a specific emphasis each year for inspections. Last year’s focus was on vehicles’ anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and cargo securements, while this year’s focus is on alcohol and controlled substance possession and tractor protection systems. This year’s focus serves as a reminder for motor carriers to implement transparent policies aimed at preventing drug and alcohol usage and possession within the workplace, including within commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). This specific focus is driven by the following:
- A recent surge in prohibited drivers recorded in the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse
- The ongoing prevalence of alcohol and controlled substance possession and consumption throughout North America
In addition to robust enforcement and policies, carriers are urged to adhere to the annual Clearinghouse query requirements to verify drivers’ prohibited status. CVSA’s additional emphasis on tractor protection systems aims to raise awareness about crucial vehicle components that are sometimes neglected during routine inspections. These components include anti-bleed back valves, tractor protection valves, and trailer supply valves. Don’t let your organization become another statistic during this year’s event.
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