by Wally Parke

June 7-9, 2016 the 29th annual International Roadcheck will take place. The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) will utilize approximately 10,000 CVSA-certified inspectors in jurisdictions throughout North America to perform large truck and bus safety inspections. Inspectors for Roadcheck 2016 will be culled from local, state, provincial and federal agencies.

As in years past, International Roadcheck 2016 will place special emphasis on certain violation categories. For 2016 the emphasis is going to be tire safety. Although tire checks are always a part of regular roadside inspections, this year’s Roadcheck is highlighting tire safety as way to remind drivers and carriers the importance of on-road tire checks and proper maintenance.

The North American Standard Level I inspection is primarily conducted during the International Roadcheck, and this is the most thorough roadside inspection. It includes 37 steps that cover both the driver and the vehicle. Items the driver will be asked to provide will be their license and endorsements, medical card, hours-of-service documentation. Also addressed will be seat belt usage and possibly an alcohol and drug check.

The vehicle side of the inspection will include checks on the braking system, coupling devices, lights, exhaust, suspension, wheels and rims, windshield wipers, steering components, fuel system, driveline, trailer bodies. Buses in addition will have the emergency exits checked.