Annual Roadside Inspection Blitz is Coming June 4-6

DON JERRELL
HNI Associate Vice President

In less than a week, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) will conduct its annual describe the image 72-hour roadside inspection and law enforcement blitz. Are your drivers ready for the inspection blitz, to be held June 4-6?

Inspections Have Saved More Than 200 Lives

The goal of the three-day blitz is safety. Roadside CVSA truck inspections play a big role in reducing truck-related deaths. Since 1998, the CVSA estimates it has performed more than 1 million truck inspections. These inspections have saved more than 200 lives and prevented more than 4,000 injuries.

About 14 trucks or buses will be checked per minute during the inspection blitz, on roads in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Approximately 1,500 locations will host inspections.

Tips to be Prepared for Inspection

Here are some tips for commercial drivers to help a CVSA truck inspection go as smoothly as possible — and to get you back on the road as quickly as possible:

Wear your seat belt. It's your last line of defense.
Be nice! Your best behavior is professional and courteous.
Practice a safe mind-set. Obey speed limits and traffic signs, and slow down in bad weather and construction zones.
Get enough rest. Sleep deprivation causes lapses in attention and impaired judgment.
Get a sticker if you've completed a Level I inspection.
Pick a lane and stay in it as long as possible. Lane changes increase the risk of accidents. In this vein, also be sure to follow other vehicles at a safe distance.
Be critical of your tires. Bad tires and sidewall problems could trigger a thorough inspection.
Have your CDL and medical card (including waivers) on hand. Don't forget the annual inspection for truck and registration for trailer. All documents in the permit book should be updated.
You logbook should be current, neat, and include the last seven days of activity.
The most common violations are: brakes out of adjustment, other brake problems, lights, tires and wheels, and cargo load securement. Other areas worth review include: coupling devices; fuel and exhaust systems; frame, van, and open-top trailers; steering; suspension; and rims and hubs.
Put down your cell phone when you're behind the wheel, and minimize other driving distractions, including eating and changing music/radio.
Pre-inspect the condition of your truck or bus. Check the security of the load, and adjust and clean mirrors.
Remember: All inspection violations become part of your CSA/SMS record.