The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) consists of motor vehicle safety officials and administrators that work toward the compatibility and uniformity of commercial vehicle inspections.
The association is a non-profit state-approved alliance that aims to provide a stringent mechanism to keep unsafe vehicles off the road. This endeavor is achieved by altering the operating organizations on vehicular issues.
The truck drivers also come under the ambit of inspections conducted by the officials. Fleet vehicle operators can be charged or penalized for not following the road and safety procedures.
CVSA International Roadcheck
Road accidents are undoubtedly avoidable in some situations, and for that, state governments have some laws and safety procedures in place.
A report by an association of safe international road travel shows that in the USA alone, road accidents contribute to 38,000 deaths every year, causing a huge loss of property to the public.
To ensure the truck drivers are compliant and follow road safety laws, the CVSA conducts roadside inspections every year.
During the three-day event organized by the alliance, certified inspectors randomly inspect commercial vehicles on the road by following the protocol for enforcement and compliance of road safety laws.
The inspection involves educational initiatives and is a great opportunity to raise awareness about roadside inspection programs and safe commercial vehicle operations for the industry and the general public.
CVSA Roadcheck 2020
Every year the association decides on a category of violations. For 2020, the CVSA has emphasized on driver requirements and how they are crucial for road safety.
Commercial vehicle drivers are responsible for steer through different terrains and must undergo the stress of vehicle maintenance and timely delivery.
It has been found on many occasions that, due to crumbling under the pressure of delivery deadlines, drivers break the laws and are non-compliant with safety acts.
To ensure the safety of vehicles on the road, inspectors will conduct a series of standard inspections on the vehicle and driver’s requirements.
Prepare Your Fleet
As inspectors can randomly select a vehicle for the check, a fleet management software for trucking companies is highly important before the event kicks in.
Before we talk about vehicle safety requirements, let’s focus on the driver requirements that the inspector will check. Make sure the drivers present the following to the inspectors.
- An active driver’s license.
- A certificate from the medical examiner.
- A certificate from the skill performance evaluation committee.
- Record of driver’s duty status.
- Valid and active vehicle inspection reports.
- Drivers will be checked for using the seat belt.
- Inspector will check the driver for any apparent sickness or fatigue, alcohol usage, or any drug impairment.
It is easy to pass the driver’s requirements by following the above-stated criteria. The inspector will apply a decal to the vehicle if no critical violations are found during Level 1 or Level 5 inspections.
Vehicular Inspection
Just as driver’s requirements are a must for this year, preparing for vehicular inspection is also mandatory to avoid any penalties.
Please note that CVSA certified inspectors follow North American Standard Level checks on the vehicles to find any violations.
The different levels of checks performed by the inspector are:
Level I
This is the most comprehensive check, encompassing 37 steps to assess mechanical fitness and drivers’ requirements. It usually takes around 45-60 minutes to conduct the checking.
Level II
Default checks that don’t require the inspector to get under the vehicle can be done by walking around. In case of any issues, the inspector can ask for a level I check.
Level III
As discussed above, the inspector will ask for valid credentials from the driver and will also check for any hazardous material inside the vehicle. It takes around 15 minutes to get the check done.
Level IV
The inspector can ask to check a special item in the vehicle as per the industrial trend followed by the state.
Level V
This is a vehicle-only inspection conducted by a facility auditor at a carrier’s business place and follows the level I parameters.
The auditor gives a final report of the vehicle’s components, and it usually takes 30 minutes to conduct this review.
Level VI
The inspection follows protocol higher than the North American Standard Inspection and on selected shipments of radioactive material. Depending upon the carriage and shipment, it usually takes 60 minutes.
Level VII
The latest addition to the list of inspections was done in 2017 when the electronic logging device (ELD) was mandated in the USA.
The inspector checks the items listed under the North American Standard Electronic Inspection Procedure electronically or in wireless mode.
While the vehicle is in motion, the officer makes a standard check and creates a report.
It is important to note that serious violations in vehicles are treated with stringent punishment, and vehicles can be placed out-of-service if they cannot fulfill the North American Standard Procedure.
Prepare Your Fleet With The Following Tips
To get through the CVSA roadcheck, drivers must comply with the guidelines issued by the authorities. The tips below can come handy while preparing for the inspection.
Brakes
In 2019, 13.7% of vehicles were put off-road due to failure in the braking systems. As such, drivers must check for any loose, broken, or contaminated system.
Lighting
One can move forward with night driving only if their headlights and tail lights are working well. Monitor the proper functioning and mounting of the lighting system.
Suspensions
Check vehicle suspension for any cracks, misalignment, and missing springs. Both front and rear axles must be aligned with other parts in the right place.
Coupling Devices
It is crucial to check for chains and wire rope for sufficient strength and capability of secure attachment.
Fuel And Exhaust System
Check the fuel tank and exhaust pipe for proper mounting, cracks, leaks, and other abnormalities.
Wheels, Rims, And Hubs
Check tires for proper inflation, cracks, cuts, and bulges and tread groove depth. The tire rim should not be bent, cracked, or misaligned.
Final Take
Roadcheck is just around the corner – but you can stay ahead of the curve by following the necessary road safety procedures.
Follow these fleet risk management guidelines and tips for CVSA compliance to avoid any violations and prepare your fleet for the international roadcheck
