Orlando, Fla.—The International Roadcheck is a three-day high-volume, high-visibility inspection when certified inspectors in North America conduct commercial motor vehicle and driver inspections at weigh or inspection stations, at designated fixed locations or as part of roving mobile patrols. With an original date scheduled for May 5-7, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) decided to postpone the 2020 International Roadcheck due to the spread of COVID-19 throughout the United States. The 72-hour event is now scheduled for Sept. 9-11 and as a responsible truck driver or transportation company, you are expected to be ready.

For the safety of employees as well as all participants a Trucking Industry’s Guide to Infectious Substances and COVID-19 is expected to be followed, meaning:

• Social distancing or physical distancing, always keeping six-foot minimum distance when conditions allow.
• Use universal precautions to protect yourself.
• Use protective equipment you’ve been issued.
• Do not attempt to do anything beyond your level of training.
• You should decontaminate yourself and your equipment daily.
• Use the methods identified for communication between the driver and inspector to minimize contact

Last year the CVSA conducted 3.36 million inspections and over 950K driver violations were discovered. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration close to 200K took place while out-of-service.

In July, the commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance conducted Operation Safe Driver which focused on more common driver caused dangers such as speeding, distractions, seatbelt use, reckless driving, drunk or drugged, etc. During the International Roadcheck in September, drivers will also be checked for seatbelt usage, illness, fatigue, apparent alcohol or drug possession or impairment. It is important to know that any driver operating without the proper driver credentials, in possession of or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, operating while ill, fatigued or showing other signs of impairment, or in violation of hours-of-service rules may be placed out of service.

Regarding you vehicle inspection if an inspector deems it in violations during an inspection, it will be rendered out of service, until those violations are corrected. For that reason you need to be prepared to prove all systems work properly such as:

• Brake systems
• Cargo securement
• Coupling devices
• Driveline/driveshaft components
• Driver’s seat (missing)
• Exhaust systems
• Frames
• Fuel systems
• Lighting devices
• Steering mechanisms
• Suspensions
• Tires
• Van and open-top trailer bodies
• Wheels, rims and hubs
• Windshield wipers

Brake-related violations comprise the largest percentage of all out-of-service violations cited during roadside inspections. Improperly installed or poorly maintained brake systems can reduce the braking capacity and stopping distance of trucks and buses, which poses a serious risk to driver and public safety.

Now in August, Brake Safety Week is scheduled for the 23-29 of the month. During this safety campaing, CMV inspectors will conduct brake system inspections (primarily Level IV Inspections) on large trucks and buses throughout North America to identify out-of-adjustment brakes and brake-system violations. The week is an annual outreach and enforcement campaign designed to improve commercial vehicle brake safety throughout North America.

At Orlando Truck Insurance, we have the staff, the local experience and the customer service platform to help you walk through your insurance coverage options to keep your business well protected. Call one of our truck and commercial vehicles insurance specialists today at (407) 203-7085 to get you started in the right track, we’ll be happy to assist. We are all in this together!

Mariana Zorrilla

Principal Agent

Email Mariana
Call (407) 203-7085