The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) conducted its annual International Roadcheck through May 16-18, 2023. During the 72-hour event, CVSA-certified inspectors in Canada, Mexico, and the United States conducted inspections of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) at weigh/inspection stations, designated inspection areas, and along roadways. The focus of this year’s Roadcheck was on anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and cargo securement.
The findings from the Roadcheck were as follows:
- ABS: Of the 53,708 vehicles inspected, 13.7% were placed out-of-service for ABS-related violations. This is a decrease from 15.2% in 2022.
- Cargo securement: Of the 53,708 vehicles inspected, 10.2% were placed out-of-service for cargo securement-related violations. This is an increase from 9.5% in 2022.
- Total out-of-service: Of the 53,708 vehicles inspected, 23.9% were placed out-of-service for any reason. This is a decrease from 25.1% in 2022.
The CVSA said that the overall results of the Roadcheck blitz were encouraging, as they show that the safety of CMVs is improving. However, the organization also said that there is still room for improvement, especially in the areas of ABS and cargo securement.
August Roadcheck Blitz
The FMCSA’s next CMV Brake Safety Week will take place from August 20-26, 2023. During this week, commercial motor vehicle (CMV) inspectors throughout North America will conduct announced and unannounced brake system inspections. The focus of this year’s brake safety blitz is on the condition of the brake lining and pad.
Brake lining and pad issues may result in vehicle violations and could affect a motor carrier’s safety rating. During either Level I or Level V Brake Safety Week inspections, officers will check the following:
- Brake lining and pad condition: Inspectors will check for worn, cracked, or missing linings or pads.
- Brake hoses and tubing: Inspectors will check for leaks, cracks, or other damage to brake hoses and tubing.
- Air brake system: Inspectors will check for leaks, loose connections, and other problems with the air brake system.
- Parking brake: Inspectors will check to make sure the parking brake is properly adjusted and functioning.
CMVs that fail a brake inspection may be placed out-of-service until the violations are corrected. The FMCSA’s CMV Brake Safety Week is an important opportunity to improve the safety of CMVs and drivers. By focusing on brake inspection and maintenance, this blitz can help to prevent accidents and save lives.
Here are some tips to help ensure braking systems are in good condition:
- Inspect brakes regularly: Have technicians and drivers check the condition of brake linings and drums, as well as the hoses and tubing on a regular basis.
- Replace brakes as needed: Ensure brake shoe lining thickness is beyond the minimum standard to ensure compliance into the future (1/4 inch).
- Avoid overloading vehicles: Overloading can put excessive stress on brakes, which can shorten lifespan.
- Drive safely: Avoid excessive braking where brakes become hot or a lack of engine braking is often present.
2022 Annual Roadcheck Blitz
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) conducted its annual International Roadcheck on May 17-19, 2022. During the 72-hour event, CVSA-certified inspectors in Canada, Mexico, and the United States conducted inspections of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) at weigh/inspection stations, designated inspection areas, and along roadways. The focus of this year’s Roadcheck was on wheel ends.
Here are some of the specific items that were inspected during the 2022 International Roadcheck:
- Wheels: Inspectors checked for loose, cracked, or missing lug nuts, as well as for damaged or worn wheels.
- Tires: Inspectors checked for underinflated tires, as well as for damaged or worn tires.
- Axles: Inspectors checked for loose or damaged axles, as well as for axles that were not properly aligned.
- Brakes: Inspectors checked for air leaks in the brake system, as well as for other problems with the brake system.
- Lighting: Inspectors checked for inoperative lights, as well as for lights that were not properly adjusted.
- Document review: Inspectors reviewed driver’s licenses, vehicle registration, and other documentation to ensure that the CMV was properly registered and that the driver was qualified to operate the vehicle.
The 2022 International Roadcheck resulted in the following:
- Out-of-service vehicles: Of the 59,026 vehicles inspected, 12,456 were placed out-of-service.
- Out-of-service drivers: Of the 59,026 drivers inspected, 3,714 were placed out-of-service.
The CVSA said that the results of the Roadcheck were encouraging, as they show that the safety of CMVs is improving. However, the organization also said that there is still room for improvement, especially in the areas of wheel ends and brake systems.