Safety Manager Tip of the Month: Get Ready for the CVSA International Roadcheck May 13-15

Ahead of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) International Roadcheck, proper tire maintenance cannot be overstated. Tire failure while in transit is a hazard to all motorists. It is also far more expensive and time-consuming for motor carriers to repair an in-transit tire failure vs. proactively maintaining tire health and addressing tire issues before the vehicle is on the road.

During the tire inspection of a commercial motor vehicle, the inspector will look for:

• Low tread depth.
• Audible air leaks.
• Flat tires.
• Belt material or casing ply exposed in the tread or sidewall.
• Tread or sidewall separation.
• Bulges in the sidewall.
• Improper repairs, such as rubber-coated plugs in the sidewall.
• Items lodged between dual tires.

Hours-of-service (HOS) regulations are in place to safeguard transportation safety by limiting driving hours and mandating adequate breaks to ensure commercial motor vehicle drivers have the opportunity to get the rest they need. This helps prevent crashes and incidents caused by fatigue.

While reviewing a driver’s record of duty status for HOS compliance, inspectors will also check for:

• Electronic logging device tampering, including driving while not logged in, disconnected devices and improper edits.
• Ghost drivers (claiming a co-driver when there is no co-driver present).
• Improper use of the personal conveyance special driving category.
• Improper use of other exceptions, including adverse driving conditions.
• Recording off-duty time while performing work for a motor carrier or non-motor carrier.