Commercial motor vehicle inspectors will be out in force May 17-19 across North America as part of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) International Roadcheck. This year’s focus is on wheel ends.
International Roadcheck is a 72-hour inspection and enforcement initiative where commercial vehicle inspectors in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. conduct North American Standard Inspections of vehicles and drivers at weight or inspection stations, at designated fixed locations or as part of roving mobile patrols.
Wheel end components were chosen as this year’s focus because they support the heavy loads carried by commercial motor vehicles, maintain stability and control and are critical for breaking.
“We want every vehicle on our roadways to be in proper working order for the safety of the driver operating that vehicle and everyone traveling on our roadways,” said CVSA President Capt. John Broers with the South Dakota Highway Patrol.
Violations involving wheel end components make up about one quarter of International Roadcheck out-of-service-violations, according to the CVSA.
In consideration of COVID-19 and the health and safety of commercial motor vehicle inspectors and drivers, law enforcement personnel will conduct inspections following their departments’ health and safety protocols during International Roadcheck.
The following transportation organizations participate in International Roadcheck: the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators; Mexico’s Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation; Transport Canada, and the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
For more information, please visit the CVSA website.
By “Move Ahead” Staff
Each year, the International Roadcheck emphasizes one aspect of potential violations. This year's emphasis is on tire safety. Inspectors will look for tire tread depth, tire pressure and proper clearance between tires, and examine the overall condition of the tires for things like cuts and bulges. While checking the tires of a vehicle is always a part of roadside inspections, CVSA is highlighting tire safety as a reminder to all drivers and carries of just how important it is.