Every year the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance conducts International Roadcheck. This year, it’s scheduled for May 14-16 across Canada and Mexico as well as the U.S. The program typically has one main focus each year in addition to making sure vehicles are roadworthy. But this year, the CVSA has chosen two focus areas, in addition to a normal inspection: tractor protection systems and alcohol and controlled substances.
On this episode of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, Mark Barlar, director of DOT regulatory compliance at Reliance Partners, joins Dooner to break down what inspectors are looking for and how drivers can best prepare for Roadcheck.
“Don’t have anything in your truck that isn’t supposed to be there,” Barlar says. “What they’re looking for is that drivers are OK to drive, they’re not transporting anything, they don’t have any personal use stuff, and they don’t have any alcohol in the vehicle.”
Alcohol and controlled substances might seem like an atypical safety inspection item, but, according to the CVSA, “Controlled substance and alcohol possession/use remains a significant concern for motor carriers, drivers and the general public. The number of prohibited drivers listed in the U.S. Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse (DACH) has been increasing. This alarming trend poses a threat to all motorists who travel on roadways throughout North America.”
Dooner and Barlar also explain the tractor protection system part of the inspection. It’s not something that drivers can typically do alone. There need to be two people to fully test the air brakes and the anti-bleedback system.
“Since this is going to be a focus, a lot of these [inspection] stations are going to be open for 72 hours straight. That means they’re going to be working third shifts. If you normally drive at night, check your tractor; they’re going to be checking it.”
Safety managers should be in the yard helping test the tractor protection systems as part of the pre-trip inspection over the next week and a half before Roadcheck begins May 14. Should there be an issue with the tractor protection system, it’s considered an out-of-service violation that can require an expensive tow.
“Get everything checked prior to truck check. If you get caught during truck check, you have to fix it there or your vehicle can be towed by an authorized tow truck. Nobody wants that because that can be thousands of dollars and lost time.”