CVSA 72-hour roadcheck scheduled for June
From June 4 to 6, 2019, inspectors with the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance will be stopping CMV drivers in Illinois and across the U.S. as part of the International Roadcheck. This annual inspection spree will consist mostly of Level I inspections, which are the most comprehensive and check for both driver and vehicle compliance.
The focus of the 2019 roadcheck will be on steering and suspension. These support the heavy load of trucks, buses and other CMVs and help maintain stability when drivers accelerate and brake. They can also keep the tires in alignment, which reduces the risk for uneven wear and, with it, tire failure.
Besides steering and suspension, inspectors will check components like the brakes, lights, tires, wheels and cargo securement straps and chains. Drivers will be asked to provide their CDL, Medical Examiner’s Certificates and work log, among other documents. Those who pass will receive a CVSA decal as an indicator. Those who do not will be put out of service.
The 2018 International Roadcheck resulted in out-of-service orders for nearly 12,000 trucks and 2,600 drivers. Trucks were put out of service mostly for brake, tire/wheel and brake adjustment violations. Most of the 2,600 drivers had been found violating hours-of-service regulations, carrying the wrong class license or falsifying their logs.
Violating HOS regulations is a serious matter from the point of view of the average driver because it goes hand in hand with truck driver fatigue: a major risk factor in truck crashes. When trucker negligence is behind a crash, those who are injured may be able to file a claim against the trucking company and be reimbursed for their medical bills, vehicle damage, lost income and more. They might want a lawyer, especially for the negotiation stage. If a settlement cannot be reached, they may litigate.