It’s that time of year again. Gear up for the 2024 Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) International Roadcheck, happening from May 14th to 16th. This annual 72-hour enforcement blitz is a crucial initiative designed to ensure the safety of our roads by focusing on commercial motor vehicle (CMV) compliance.
Last year, a total of 59,429 inspections took place during the 72-hour CVSA Roadcheck. This translates to an average of nearly 16.5 inspections per minute across North America.
At CameraMatics, we understand the importance of keeping our roads safe.
We’ve compiled essential information to ensure your fleet is fully prepared. Dive into the details below to get ready for your inspection.
Why is the CVSA Roadcheck Important?
The answer is simple: safety.
Every year, there are countless accidents involving commercial vehicles. The CVSA Roadcheck serves as a critical reminder to all CMV drivers and carriers of the importance of prioritizing safety. Let’s look at some eye-opening statistics that highlight the importance of the Roadcheck.
- The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that in 2021, there were over 490,000 crashes involving large trucks
- Of those crashes, over 5,000 resulted in fatalities
- CMV driver fatigue is a major safety concern. A 2019 study by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) found that fatigue was a contributing factor in 13% of all fatal CMV crashes
- Distracted driving is another significant risk factor. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in 2020, 391,000 people were injured in crashes involving distracted drivers
The CVSA Roadcheck serves as a powerful deterrent against these shocking statistics by taking a proactive stance.
By increasing roadside inspections during this period, the CVSA aims to identify and address potential safety issues before they lead to accidents, aligning with our commitment to proactive safety measures.
What to expect during the 2024 CVSA International Roadcheck
Last year the authorities focused on Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS) and Cargo Securement, with inspectors also noting overall compliance rates and identifying top vehicle and driver violations
This year, inspectors will be placing a sharp focus on the vehicles (Tractor Protection Systems & ABS) themselves and the drivers operating them. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
Vehicle Inspection:
During the Level I Inspection, inspectors will be particularly attentive to Tractor Protection Systems and Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS). Faulty systems in these areas can significantly increase the risk of accidents, so ensuring they’re in top condition is crucial. The inspection will also be a comprehensive check of other vital components, including:
- Brake systems
- Cargo securement
- Coupling devices
- Driveline/driveshaft components
- Driver’s seat
- Fuel and exhaust systems
- Frames
- Lighting devices
- Steering mechanisms
- Suspensions
- Tires, wheels, rims, hubs
- Windshield wipers
For motorcoaches, passenger vans, and other vehicles designed for passengers, inspectors will take a closer look at emergency exits, seating arrangements, and electrical cables and systems within the engine and battery compartments.
Driver Inspection:
Driver sobriety is paramount during Roadcheck. This year, inspectors will be conducting heightened vigilance for detecting drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Additionally, they’ll be verifying compliance with Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse regulations. Beyond sobriety checks, inspectors will also be reviewing the following driver documentation:
- Operating credentials
- Hours-of-service documentation
- Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse status (for inspections in the U.S.)
- Seat belt usage
How Fleet Managers can prepare for the CVSA Roadcheck
Proactive maintenance is fundamental for Fleet Managers in ensuring they are prepared for the CVSA Roadcheck. It involves consistently adhering to maintenance schedules for their fleet of vehicles and promptly addressing any issues that arise. Keeping meticulous records of all maintenance activities is imperative.
With CameraMatics, our digital record-keeping ensures that every maintenance task is logged and updated in real-time, facilitating efficient management and oversight of the fleet’s maintenance history
To prepare for the CVSA Roadcheck, it’s crucial to educate drivers on proper vehicle inspection procedures, safe driving practices, and the importance of complying with Hours of Service regulations.
Additionally, ensure drivers have all necessary paperwork readily available in the vehicle, such as licenses, registrations, insurance information, and pre-trip inspection reports.
Consider conducting mock CVSA inspections on your vehicles to identify and fix any potential issues before encountering an official inspection. This proactive approach helps to streamline the process and ensures readiness when the Roadcheck occurs.
To ensure you’re fully prepared for a CVSA inspection, start by giving your vehicle a thorough once-over before hitting the road – check those lights, tires, brakes, fluids, and all the other essentials.
It’s also a good idea to get cozy with the FMCSA regulations that govern commercial vehicle operations. Websites like CVSA and FMCSA are treasure troves for information.
Keep your paperwork up-to-date and make sure you’re following those Hours of Service rules. And when it comes to dealing with inspectors, a little professionalism goes a long way – stay courteous and composed.
These proactive steps seriously up your odds of acing a CVSA inspection, which is all about keeping our roads safe for everyone. So, let’s work together to make sure our commercial vehicles are road-ready and accident-free.
How can CameraMatics assist with the CVSA Roadcheck?
At CameraMatics, we offer a comprehensive suite of video telematics solutions designed to empower fleet managers to prioritize safety and ensure compliance. Here’s how our technology can specifically assist you in preparing for the CVSA International Roadcheck:
Pre- and post-trip digital vehicle checklists that streamline the inspection process, ensuring drivers thoroughly check all critical components, including tractor protection systems and ABS functionality before the vehicle leaves the yard.
Our 360 degree camera visibility provides fleet managers with real-time videos of driving incidents such as harsh breaking and steering. This allows fleet managers to identify and address potential concerns and develop training to ensure vehicles are driven more sustainably, reducing maintenance requirements and costs.
Our integrated digital solutions like Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) for seamless record-keeping and fatigue management. The system also provides instant mileage reporting, allowing for efficient route optimization and cost control. This helps ensure drivers are adhering to regulations and maintain driver qualification files, contributing to a more compliant fleet.
Real life video footage captured by our systems can be used for constructive coaching and training trough the Driver Coaching feature in our Safety Centre. This promotes safer driving habits for your whole fleet of drivers.
CameraMatics records and analyzes driver behavior, which provides insights into how vehicles are being operated and if any actions may be contributing to wear and tear. This comprehensive monitoring allows fleet managers to identify potential issues promptly and take proactive measures to address them before they escalate.
It’s like having a proactive maintenance crew and a compliance officer working for you, all accessible through a single, user-friendly platform.
A continuous safety journey before, during, and after the CVSA Roadcheck
While the CVSA Roadcheck is a concentrated period of enforcement, safety should be a year-round priority for every fleet manager.
CameraMatics is dedicated to being your partner in safety, every mile of the way.
Contact CameraMatics today to how discover how our video telematics solutions can empower you to ensure a safe and compliant fleet, not just during the CVSA Roadcheck, but throughout the entire year.
