With Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) International Roadcheck 2024 coming up May 14-16, Work Truck wants to ensure our commercial truck fleet operators stay safe and achieve those highly regarded safety decals. 

During the 2023 CVSA International Roadcheck, inspectors focused on anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and cargo securement. During last year's safety blitz, decals were applied to 14,032 power units, 5,814 trailers, and 305 motorcoaches/buses for a total of 20,151 decals throughout North America. 

Conversely, CVSA-certified inspectors discovered at least one out-of-service violation on 19% of the vehicles inspected and, in turn, removed those 11,270 commercial motor vehicles from roadways until the out-of-service (OOS) violations were corrected. There were 17,479 vehicle out-of-service violations in total.

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What is International Roadcheck? 

International Roadcheck is a three-day annual event that aims to inspect and enforce commercial motor vehicles' safety and compliance on the roads of Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. During the event, commercial motor vehicle inspectors will conduct North American Standard Inspections on commercial motor vehicles and their drivers at weigh and inspection stations, on roving patrols, and at temporary inspection sites. 

The event is designed to improve road safety, reduce the number of accidents, and prevent fatalities caused by commercial motor vehicles' non-compliance with safety regulations.

Are you curious about what you should expect during International Roadcheck 2024? 

What is the 2024 International Roadcheck Focus?

Each year, International Roadcheck places particular emphasis on a category of violations. 

Over the three days of International Roadcheck, inspectors will conduct their routine North American Standard Level I Inspection, a thorough 37-step procedure that examines vehicle components and driver documentation and requirements.

International Roadcheck will have two focus areas this year:

• Tractor protection systems

• Alcohol and controlled substance possession

According to the CVSA, controlled substance and alcohol possession/use remains a significant concern for motor carriers, drivers, and the general public. The number of prohibited drivers listed in the U.S. Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse (DACH) has increased. This alarming trend threatens all motorists who travel on roadways throughout North America.

This year's International Roadcheck will remind motor carriers to establish and strictly enforce clear policies to prevent controlled substance and alcohol possession or use in the workplace.

In addition, by focusing on the tractor protection systems, International Roadcheck aims to increase awareness for drivers, motor carriers, technicians, and enforcement personnel of these critically essential vehicle components. Specifically, the focus will be on the tractor protection valve, trailer supply valve, and anti-bleed back valve, which may be overlooked during trip and roadside inspections. 

“As with every annual roadcheck, this is an opportunity for carriers to reinforce the importance of pre- and post-trip inspections and leverage technology to streamline and verify those checks," said Ron Cordova, Director of Safety & Compliance at Zonar. "This year, it’s about tractor protection systems critical components, including the tractor protection valve, trailer supply valve and anti-bleed back valve."

Cordova added that brakes consistently top the list of out-of-service rates during roadside inspections and it’s no different for tractor trailer brakes.

"Inspections can catch air leaks and keep brakes working properly to not only safeguard truck drivers, but all drivers and passengers on the road. Particularly in the event that a trailer separates from the cab, the brakes can automatically set in and prevent possible collisions," Cordova added.

Alcohol and controlled substance possession a critical safety issue and a point of focus this year.

"This further emphasizes how crucial it is for carriers to set clear policies and strict enforcement. From the law enforcement perspective, distracted driving extends to impairment and there is often zero tolerance for that behavior while operating a vehicle," Cordova said.

While International Roadcheck continues to shed light on these issues, Cordova noted it’s important that pre- and post-trip inspections are core elements of safety practices year-round and that drivers have clear protocols and support from fleet management.

"A safe driver is a supported driver, and safety on the road relies on a set rules and instructions from all who share the road," he added.

Since its inception in 1988, roadside inspections conducted during International Roadcheck have numbered more than 1.8 million. International Roadcheck also provides an opportunity to educate industry and the general public about the importance of safe commercial motor vehicle operations and the roadside inspection program.

Prepare for International Roadcheck 2024 with Tips for Bendix

Among the focus areas of this year’s Roadcheck are tractor protection systems. The aim is to increase awareness of these components – specifically, the tractor protection valve, trailer supply valve, and spring brake valve. Officers will conduct inspections to confirm that the tractor protection system is functioning properly in the event of trailer separation.

“The tractor protection system inspection will vary based on the tractor protection valve that is in use on the vehicle,” said Brian Screeton, manager – technical training and service at Bendix. “The service data sheet for each valve is the best source for operational checks of that valve.”

According to Screeton, a basic, high-level test for a properly operating tractor protection system involves the trip pressures of the dashboard valves associated with the system. Begin by starting the vehicle and building full system air pressure. Then, shut off the vehicle, disconnect the glad hands, and push in the red trailer-supply dash valve button. Air will leak out of the trailer supply glad hand until the red button pops out. When the button pops, apply the service brake. No air should come out of the service glad hand.

Chad Benesh, technical support supervisor and member of the Bendix Tech Team, emphasized another crucial factor in the proper operation of the system.

“It’s vital to keep the glad hand couplings clean of contaminants that may get in them when not coupled,” he said. “Contamination in the glad hand has a direct path to the trailer relay valve, which can cause loss of brakes on the trailer as well as the potential that the brakes won’t release and will drag. Make sure dummy glad hands are used when glad hands are not connected. In addition, replace worn or cracked glad hand seals.”

Roadcheck tire inspections emphasize the importance of maintaining proper tire pressure: Industry research shows about 90% of tire failures can be attributed to underinflation, and nearly half of all emergency service road calls are tire-related. During the 2023 Roadcheck, tire issues accounted for 19% of out-of-service vehicle violations.

“Driving on underinflated tires generates higher internal running temperatures, and that situation can lead directly to tire blowouts,” said TJ Thomas, Bendix director of marketing and customer solutions, Controls. “Additionally, the added stress and excess wear and tear reduce tire life span. The American Trucking Associations’ Technology & Maintenance Council estimates that 20% underinflation can shorten tire life by 30%.”