The CVSA International Roadside Inspection Blitz
5-7 June 2018 marked the 30thanniversary of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) International Roadside Inspection Blitz. Commercial motor vehicles (CMV), mainly truck and trailer combos and passenger buses, along with their drivers were checked at weigh stations, inspection sites, and at roving patrol locations on major highways, freeways, and roadways in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Although statistics are still being gathered, this annual event and its inspectors ran an estimated 4 million trucks through Level I Compliance Checks. These checks focus on cargo securement, mechanical conditions, driver qualifications, daily logs, daily driver inspection reports, and Hazardous Material (HazMat) handling. This is a 37-step inspection procedure, which includes the examination of vehicle maintenance and driver requirements.
This year’s overall focus was on the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) and Hours of Service (HOS). HOS compliance is always a subject of inspection at a roadside inspection. However, this is the first 72-hour Roadside Inspection Blitz since the full enforcement of the ELD mandate on 18 April 2018.
The ELD mandate took effect on 17 December 2017, but the first four months were used as a “get out of jail free” period for noncompliance with ELD, but not for non-compliance with HOS regulations. The primary reason for the “grace period” was to give drivers, inspectors, and fleet management time to familiarize themselves with the ELD operations.
Shortcomings Noted at Roadside Inspections
The CVSA is currently gathering and analyzing statistical data. However, some of the significant deficiencies fell in line with those noted in previous roadside inspections. These mechanical issues, in order of abundance were: lights, tires, brakes adjustments, and cracked windshields.
Only a small percentage of drivers were caught not using safety belts or had faulty seatbelts. Those caught seemed surprised to see videos of themselves fastening their belts as they approached the weigh stations or inspection points.
HOS violations appear to be down significantly over 2017 numbers, which found 84 percent of those inspected were complying. 2017 numbers were significantly better than the 54 percent recorded in 1997, twenty years ago.
However, the CVSA expected lower numbers since most HOS violations are “Form and Manner” violations, which are mostly permanent entries when using the ELD. Of course, some still need to be updated at a Record of Duty Status (RODS) change, such as the date, total miles driven, etc. Likewise, the majority of drivers and vehicles are using the ELD or AOBRD, though accurate numbers are not yet available.
The 2018 CVSA International Roadside Inspection Blitz was more of an educational tool for inspectors and drivers, instead of a “gotcha” when it came to ELD compliant machines. Watch for future articles to get accurate numbers reported by the CVSA.
NOTE:The CVSA’s Brake Safety Week is scheduled September 16ththrough the 22nd
Bakersfield Traffic Attorneys for Kern County
Call Bigger & Harman, (661) 349-9300, for a no-obligation free consultation when you received a traffic ticket for equipment, permit, hazmat handling, placarding, HOS, overweight violations, or speeding. Se habla Español (661) 349-9755.
We are traffic ticket attorneys here in Bakersfield, CA, in Kern County. We only accept traffic ticket clients and do so using a flat fee. Regardless of how many hours we devote to resolving your ticket or at a DMV Hearing, the price is the same. Therefore, you will never get billed by the hour or given surprise fees.
Michele B. of Bakersfield wrote on Yelp, “My friend was facing a huge fine and points against his class A license. We searched Yelp to find someone who could help. This was truly a blessing. It's as if it never happened. Saving the reputation of a man who is dedicated to his driving career.”
“We will provide you with the personalized attention and effective solutions you deserve!”
Send us an email, today attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
References:
The 2018 CA Commercial Driver Handbook .pdf
Today’s Trucking article, Annual Roadcheck Is Aiming for Education, not ‘Gotcha’
Today’s Trucking article, CVSA Inspections Episode 18, In-Cab Inspection
TrekFreight’s article, How to Come Out of the Roadside Inspection Blitz Unscathed
Trucking Office article, CVSA Doesn’t Bother Smart Truckers