CVSA announces results of International Roadcheck

More than 50,000 tractor-trailers were inspected during the Commercial Motor Vehicle Alliance’s most recent International Roadcheck crackdown. The nonprofit road safety coalition announced the results of the 72-hour initiative on Dec. 17. Most of the commercial vehicles inspected were pulled over in Illinois and around the country, but law enforcement agencies in Canada and Mexico also took part in the operation. More than one in five of the vehicles subjected to Level I, II or V inspections were considered such a threat to other road users that they were ordered out of service.

Braking system violations

Braking system violations were the most common reason for issuing out-of-service orders during International Roadcheck. Inspectors found problems with the brakes of 3,163 tractor-trailers and poorly adjusted brakes on a further 1,567. Issues with tires, lights and the way cargo was secured led to another 5,562 out-of-service orders. More than a third of the truck drivers prevented from completing their journeys were found to be in violation of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s hours of service regulations.

Level I inspections

More than half of the inspections carried out during International Roadcheck were the rigorous American Standard Level I type. After completing the 37-step process, inspectors use the CVSA’s Out-of-Service Criteria to determine whether or not the vehicle should be ordered off the road.

Evidence in truck accident lawsuits

Road safety initiatives like International Roadcheck prevent accidents by identifying dangerous commercial vehicles and taking them out of service, and they could also provide crucial evidence to personal injury attorneys pursuing civil remedies on behalf of truck accident victims. When preparing a truck accident case, attorneys may check CVSA and FMCSA records to find out if the defendant has a history of safety violations that could be used to establish a pattern of negligent behavior.