The 29th Annual International Roadcheck to Focus on Tire Safety

How safe are your tires? Inspectors will be answering this and other safety related questions when the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) conducts its annual truck safety inspection June 7 – 9, 2016, which officials report will place special emphasis on tire safety.

The International Roadcheck

Each year, the CVSA conducts the International Roadcheck, a three-day initiative aimed at educating commercial drivers and enforcing road safety regulations through inspection of commercial vehicles in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

In the United States, the CVSA works in conjunction with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and law enforcement to conduct the 72-hour safety campaign; CVSA inspectors will mainly perform the comprehensive North American Standard Level 1 Inspection, which is a 37-step evaluation of the truck and driver. While the CVSA always considers the condition of truck tires during inspections, additional focus is being placed on tire safety for 2016 to help increase awareness for drivers and carriers.

Tire Safety Inspection Points

Practicing good tire maintenance is essential for highway safety and efficient commercial transport. Inspection points for tires will include the evaluation of:

• Correct tire pressure
• Adequate tire tread depth
• Foreign objects wedged between dual tires
• Tire quality and detection of cuts or bulges

Additional Safety Issues

While the CVSA is highlighting tire safety for this year’s campaign, you can expect inspectors to perform a thorough assessment of drivers and their vehicles. Drivers should expect inspectors to verify driver compliance with commercial driving regulations and safety practices, which may include review of:

• Licenses
• Endorsements
• Hours of Service documentation
• Seatbelt practice
• Alcohol and other substance use

Drivers should also anticipate inspection of their vehicle’s operational systems, which may include their trucks:

• Braking system
• Cargo security
• Coupling mechanisms
• Exhaust system
• Frame
• Fuel system
• Lights
• Steering
• Driveline/driveshaft
• Suspension
• Wheels and rims.

Remember, there is no substitute for regular maintenance and good safety practices. Logistec encourages commercial drivers to always check your truck and tires to ensure safe traveling and to avoid “out-of-service” status and costly penalties when inspectors and law enforcement begin inspections this June. For more information related to the CVSA and safety inspections, please visit their website at www.cvsa.org.