In September-- The 2020 International Roadcheck
Melbourne, Fla.—Are you ready? After being delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 72-hour enforcement event will now take place Wednesday, September 9 through Friday, September 11. The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance says, less traffic on the roads due to the COVID-19 pandemic may be encouraging some drivers to ignore traffic safety laws, including speed limits. A number of jurisdictions, CVSA says, have seen “a severe spike in speeding” during the pandemic.
The International Roadcheck is a three-day high-volume, high-visibility inspection when certified inspectors in North America conduct commercial motor vehicle and driver inspections at weigh or inspection stations, at designated fixed locations or as part of roving mobile patrols. It was originally scheduled for May 5-7, when the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) decided to postpone it due to the spread of COVID-19 throughout the United States.
Each year, there is a particular focus of the inspection. Last year, the focus was on steering and suspension systems. This year’s focus is on the driver requirements component of a roadside inspection. According to the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) data, of the approximately 3.36 million inspections conducted in 2019, 952,938 driver violations were discovered, of which 199,722 were out-of-service conditions.
Drivers found to be operating without the proper driver credentials; in possession of or under the influence of drugs or alcohol; operating while ill, fatigued or showing other signs of impairment; or in violation of hours-of-service rules may be placed out of service.
For the safety of employees as well as all participants a Trucking Industry’s Guide to Infectious Substances and COVID-19 is expected to be followed, meaning:
Social distancing or physical distancing, always keeping six-foot minimum distance when conditions allow.
Use universal precautions to protect yourself.
Use protective equipment you’ve been issued.
Do not attempt to do anything beyond your level of training.
You should decontaminate yourself and your equipment daily.
Use the methods identified for communication between the driver and inspector to minimize contact
Last year the CVSA conducted 3.36 million inspections and over 950K driver violations were discovered. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration close to 200K took place while out-of-service.
Regarding your vehicle-- if an inspector deems it in violations during an inspection, it will be rendered out of service, until those violations are corrected. For that reason you need to be prepared to prove all systems work properly such as:
Brake systems
Cargo securement
Coupling devices
Driveline/driveshaft components
Driver’s seat (missing)
Exhaust systems
Frames
Fuel systems
Lighting devices
Steering mechanisms
Suspensions
Tires
Van and open-top trailer bodies
Wheels, rims and hubs
Windshield wipers
Brake-related violations comprise the largest percentage of all out-of-service violations cited during roadside inspections. Improperly installed or poorly maintained brake systems can reduce the braking capacity and stopping distance of trucks and buses, which poses a serious risk to driver and public safety.
Our truck insurance specialists in Melbourne, Florida also understand 18 wheeler operations, goals and safety concerns— and will help you find the best rates available in the market to keep your transportation business well protected, amid all the uncertainty caused by this global health emergency.
Give us a call for a FREE consultation at (321) 329-5556 and one of our local truck insurance specialists at Melbourne Truck Insurance will be more than happy to walk you through all of your options.
Oscar Pacheco - Licensed Agent