Preparing for CVSA Roadcheck each year doesn’t have to be hard. Many of the issues that DOT inspectors check for during their annual International Roadcheck event are easily prevented.
Follow these 3 steps to reduce the likelihood of your trucks being inspected and improving the outcome if they are.
This article was originally posted on June 7, 2016
Preparing for CVSA Roadcheck Step 1:
Get The Target Off Of Your Back!
This may seem pretty simple, but your drivers can avoid becoming a target for inspection by simply obeying traffic safety laws.
During International Roadcheck events, drivers should especially avoid:
- Speeding
- Failing to Obey Traffic Safety Devices (stop signs and red lights)
- Driving in the left lane(s) on interstate highways
- Texting or using a cell phone while driving
Drivers disobeying traffic laws usually increases the chances of roadside inspections. Doing so during the International Roadcheck event just begging to be targeted!
DOT Inspectors prepare for DOT Level 1 inspection.
In addition to a nice fine for the unsafe driving violation, it’s the perfect opportunity for an officer to go ahead and get another Level 1 completed!
If your driver finds blue lights behind them or if they are pulled in at an inspection station, remind them that a positive and polite attitude will make the situation more bearable for everyone.
On top of that, ensure that they do a little “spring cleaning” on the inside and outside of the rig.
Sloppiness in the rig can point to carelessness in vehicle maintenance and in other areas of compliance and safety management!
Preparing for CVSA Roadcheck: Step 2
Do A Vehicle Maintenance Double Check
There is little substitute for a proper and thorough pre-trip or post-trip truck and trailer inspection. But, drivers are busy and can become complacent. It’s just human nature.
Drivers don’t have regularly invest the time in completing a full vehicle inspection. Simply walking around the truck and trailer once every day or two can have positive effects.
While doing a quick “walk around” inspection, drivers should check to ensure:
- All lights are working properly
- There are no audible air leaks from the air brake system or from your tires
- All tires appear to be properly inflated
- The pigtails are off of the deck and not chaffed or leaking
Do this quick vehicle maintenance inspection and complete 1 full “pedal to the metal” brake compression daily. I guarentee that you will avoid most DOT vehicle maintenance violations! If you are inspected, your chances of getting that coveted CVSA sticker will be much higher.
BLTs aren’t just tasty sandwiches, they are the most common types of vehicle related violations received!
In this case, of course, we’re talking about brakes, lighting and tires…none of which are tasty (at least that’s what I hear).
Double check to make sure that your annual DOT vehicle inspection is current and that pre-trip inspections are completed and documented appropriately.
CVSA Roadcheck Domination! Step 3
3 Words: Hours Of Service.
As if it wasn’t important enough to keep accurate HOS logs to begin with, it’s especially important that your drivers pay special attention to their books over the next couple of days.
Remember, the target inspection during the CVSA Roadcheck event is a Level 1 DOT inspection!
(This is the functional equivalent of a prostate exam of your driver and truck’s operational ability)
Everything will be reviewed…everything!
Avoid costly penalties and CSA BASIC points by ensuring that all drivers have their ELD records in good order. Also encourage them to avoid overusing personal conveyance duty status. Remaining compliant with ALL hours of service regulations and having their ELD Supporting Documents organized will help speed things along!
Preparing for CVSA Roadcheck: Conclusion
The annual Roadcheck shouldn’t really cause you that much concern if you are generally focusing on improving your DOT compliance and fleet safety.
This should just be another week at the office for your drivers.
It’s a great opportunity for you to showcase your company’s commitment to fleet safety management and your hard work in maintaining your fleet of vehicles.
My Safety Manager is a leading provider of fleet safety management and trucking compliance services for fleets of all sizes.
Our specialized safety management solutions help deliver results—safe drivers out on the road who are staying compliant with regulations.
We work with you to create customized solutions that meet your unique needs, taking what’s typically far too much work off your plate so you have more time to grow your business.
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