Once a year, a three-day event initiative supports driver and vehicle safety through commercial vehicle inspections. The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) conducts the International Roadcheck Event. It is where certified inspectors look for areas of compliance, enforce infractions and help educate the thousands of truckers operating around the globe. Further, they hold this event to ensure driver and vehicle safety and regulatory compliance.
The CVSA
Inspectors evaluate almost 15 buses or trucks every minute in North America during this 72-hour event. Since it started in 1988, this massive inspection initiative has done much to educate commercial vehicle operators and the general public about the value of safe vehicle operations.
Targeted Inspections
Every year, the CVSA establishes a date for the inspection to establish driver and vehicle safety. The organization uses roving patrols by utilizing weight and inspection stations across significant interstates and highways. Additionally, they do this by setting up temporary inspection sites.
The International Roadcheck occurs throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. While several issues are on the radar, the CVSA will select an area of emphasis each year. Also, primary focus areas include lighting violations and Hours of Service violations.
For the year 2022, the focus is on wheel ends. The CVSA published data that reveals that nearly one-quarter of the out-of-service violations discovered during the annual road check event involve wheel-end components. As a trend amongst International Roadcheck violations, wheel-end components rank as a top 10 item. Multiple factors could explain why a problem could happen with a wheel end component, but there is no need to delay getting the problem repaired with physical damage truck insurance. It could help avoid the consequences of a violation.
Inspection Procedures
The components of the wheel check include the following areas. Proactively addressing possible concerns can increase the chances of passing a Level I or Level V inspection.
- Look for debris between tires.
- Check for the contact between tires or any part of the vehicle.
- Analyze for proper inflation and tread groove depth.
- Check inner wheel seal, tire, and valve stem for leaks.
- Search for cuts and bulges, improper repairs, and exposed cords or fabric.
- Identify markings that exclude use on a steering axle.
- Check for regrooved tires on the steering axle.
Inspection Types
Under a Level I Inspection, a 37-step process occurs. Likewise, it determines compliance with vehicle mechanical fitness and driver operating compliance. An inspector has the liberty to conduct a Level II Walker-Around Driver/Vehicle Inspection, a Level III Driver/Credential/Administrative Inspection, or a Level V Vehicle-Only Inspection. The goal is to ensure that every vehicle on the roadway is properly working. It supports both the driver’s safety who is operating the vehicle and all the other motorists traveling down the road.
Level I
In a Level I inspection, drivers can expect an examination of their driver’s license, Medical Examiner’s Certificate, and applicable Skill Performance Evaluation (SPE) Certificate. The search will look for alcohol or drugs, review the service hours and record of duty status and look for seat belt usage. The vehicle inspection will include inspection reports, cargo securement, coupling devices, brake systems, fuel systems, and lighting devices. Passenger carrying vehicles also get inspected for searing, emergency exits, electrical systems, and cables in the engine and battery compartments. This list isn’t comprehensive but provides an idea of how thorough a Level I inspection could be.
Level V
A level V inspection focuses on the vehicle. This inspection doesn’t require a driver to be present and includes the detailed inspection standards of a Level I inspection.
Inspection Results
The North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria is a pass-fail standard for the International Roadcheck inspections. Additionally, critical violations can render a vehicle, cargo, or driver out-of-service. It stays that way until the operator or the owners correct or repairs the issue. Each year, the CVSA issues the items and detail that could cause an out-of-service violation. Four results might generally happen if a driver must go through Level I or a Level V inspection.
Passing Inspection with No Violation
If an inspector doesn’t find any violation, they will apply the special CVSA decal to the vehicle. It marks the successful inspection passing and does not require re-inspection for three months. Also, it is how long the decal remains valid. Vehicles bearing this decal do not have to stop during a Roadcheck Inspection Event.
Minor Violations Are Found
An inspection can reveal minor violations that won’t jeopardize receiving a decal. So long as they are not a part of the critical service category, the inspectors note these violations on the inspection report and issue a decal. However, they withhold a decal if the violation is on the rear impact guard.
Critical Violations Are Found
Should an inspector identify a critical vehicle inspection item violation, the inspector notes it on the report before the vehicle can continue on its way. These vehicles are not eligible for a CVSA decal and could be subject to another inspection. Thus, inspectors determine that the driver and vehicle safety is insufficient to allow the truck to continue operating.
Out-of-Service Violations Are Found
If the North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria identifies a violation, the inspector declares the vehicle out of service. It requires any identified violations to the vehicle. Then, the vehicle would need repair and go through the re-inspection process.
Proactive Efforts
Though normal wear and tear can cause maintenance issues, commercial vehicles may experience damage from accidents involving other vehicles or incidents with weather or stationary objects. With physical damage truck insurance, you can seek the repairs necessary to avoid getting caught with a violation during an inspection.
About Western Truck Insurance Services
Western Truck Insurance Services is a commercial truck insurance agency with roots dating back to 1954. We have evolved into a highly respected, professionally managed, truck and transportation insurance brokerage. The hallmark of our organization is our desire to provide unparalleled service. We go way beyond what you expect to receive from an insurance brokerage. Equipped with state of the art automation, Western Truck Insurance can provide you with lightning fast truck insurance quotes, customer service, Insurance certificates, and coverage changes. Contact us today at (800) 937-8785 to learn more!