CVSA’s Roadcheck focus revealed

Posted February 16, 2024

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has recently revealed its focus for the 2024 International Roadcheck: alcohol & controlled substance possession and tractor protection systems. This year’s event is scheduled for May 14-16.

International Roadcheck is a three-day commercial motor vehicle (CMV) inspection event designed to educate and spread awareness about motor vehicle safety. During the 72-hour inspection, CVSA-certified law enforcement personnel across Mexico, the U.S., and Canada will examine motor vehicles to verify state, federal, provincial, and territorial regulatory compliance. These inspections will take place at weigh/inspection stations, mobile patrols, and temporary sites.

Inspectors will perform as many Level I inspections as possible. This is a complete inspection of the driver and vehicle, and will result in the vehicle being issued a three-month CVSA decal if no critical violations are discovered. Unsuccessful inspections could result in a vehicle being placed out of service.

Focus 1: Alcohol & controlled substance possession

This year’s focus on alcohol & controlled substance possession serves to remind motor carriers to enforce clear policies to help prevent drug and alcohol use and possession in the workplace, including in CMVs.

This particular focus is prompted by:

• A recent increase in prohibited drivers listed in the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, and
• The continued trend of alcohol & controlled substance possession and use across North America.

In addition to clear enforcement and polices, carriers are also encouraged to comply with the annual Clearinghouse query requirements to check for drivers’ prohibited status.

Focus 2: Tractor protection systems

CVSA’s additional focus on tractor protection systems aims to increase awareness of critically important vehicle parts that are sometimes overlooked during daily inspections. Some of these parts include:

• Anti-bleed back valves,
• Tractor protection valves, and
• Trailer supply valves.

CVSA has offered an inspection bulletin that outlines the steps for properly checking tractor protection systems to help motor carriers and drivers comply with this requirement.

This article was written by Lucero Truszkowski of J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc.