CVSA Roadcheck 2022 is set for May 17-19 across Canada, Mexico and the United States. Fortunately, fleets and drivers can put tips to avoid CVSA violations into action, lowering the risk of inspectors taking vehicles and drivers out of service.
The annual event typically results in thousands of violations. Brake and tire issues rank among the most frequent reasons inspectors take vehicles off the road. For drivers, the most frequent issue is Hours of Service violations.
For the 2022 CVSA (Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance) Roadcheck, inspections plan to focus on wheel ends. Drivers can expect to see inspectors at weigh stations, inspection stations and in roving patrols.
What is CVSA Roadcheck?
The annual CVSA Roadcheck is conducted across North America to promote safety for commercial vehicles. Inspectors apply North American Standard Level I Inspection procedures for vehicles in Canada and the U.S., while inspections in Mexico are typically Level V, vehicle-only inspections. The Level I inspection, which includes examination of the vehicle and driver, ranks as most comprehensive level of review.
The goal of CVSA Roadcheck 2022, which lasts three days, is to raise awareness of safety issues and compliance with government and industry regulations. Every year, inspectors take a large number of vehicles and drivers out of service (OOS).
For example, the 2021 CVSA Roadcheck involved 40,000 commercial vehicle inspections. Those inspections resulted in placing 16.5 percent of inspected vehicles OOS and 5.3 percent of drivers OOS
Of the drivers placed OOS, 41.5 percent had Hours of Service (HOS) violations. Of the vehicles placed OOS, 26.5 percent involved braking systems.
Tips to Avoid CVSA Violations
Fleets and drivers can take steps to lower the risk of receiving a violation by doing a preliminary check of the vehicle and ensuring they have all the paperwork required for compliance.
The preliminary check should include looking for the following issues (keeping in mind that this year’s focus is on wheel ends).
- Wheel fasteners and elongated stud holes that are loose, broken, missing or damaged
- Rims that are bent, cracked or broken
- Locking rings, studs or clamps that are cracked or unseated
- Proper tread wear on all tires
- Lubricant leaks, missing caps or plugs
- Proper inflation, cuts and bulges on all tires
It’s also important to focus on common issues found frequently every year during the CVSA Roadcheck. For vehicles placed OOS in 2021, the top five issues were:
- Brake systems
- Tires
- Lights
- Brake adjustment
- Cargo securement
The top issues for drivers placed OOS included:
- Hours of Service violations
- Wrong class license
- False logs
- Suspended license
Inspections issued violations to 16 percent of drivers for a host of other violations, including operating without the required operating authority, expired or no medical certificate, and operating a commercial motor vehicle while ill or fatigued.
Paperwork needed for inspection includes:
- Driver’s license
- Skill Performance Evaluation certificate
- Medical examiners certificate
- Motor carrier registration
- Driver’s HOS information
- Evidence of periodic inspection
- Vehicle inspection reports
- Shipping papers or bills of lading
- Driver’s daily vehicle inspection report (DVIR)
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How Telematics Can Help With CVSA
Telematics systems can help reduce the risk of CVSA violations by providing automated, consistent support in several critical areas.
Predictive Maintenance. Telematics systems monitor engine performance, allowing fleets to see issues before they become a problem. They also ensure that all vehicles stay on a maintenance schedule.
Driver Vehicle Inspection Report. Automated systems generate reports needed for compliance, as well as sending alerts and notifications on issues such as missed inspection reports and defects, reducing the risk of violations while also improving fleet safety. These systems provide backup digital documentation for inspections, if needed.
Driver coaching. Digital systems notify drivers when they are low on Hours of Service, a common area for violations. Telematics systems also support driver training by alerting them about poor driving behaviors, such as speeding, rapid cornering, abrupt braking and more. These telematics systems and tips to avoid CVSA violations can better prepare fleets for this annual event while also greatly improving fleet efficiency and safety.
