Several significant truck inspections and enforcement efforts, put on by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) are already on the calendar for 2023. The CVSA is a non-profit comprised of a variety of safety officials and industry representatives with the common goal of saving lives by preventing commercial motor vehicle (CMV) crashes. They operate these events throughout North America, including Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Based on the CVSA website, approximately 4 million CMV inspections happen every year. Depending on the level of inspection, they may look for mechanical issues on trucks as well as driver compliance with a number of regulations. Some of those include:
For Vehicles:
- Brake Systems
- Cargo Securement
- Coupling Devices
- Driveline/driveshaft
- Exhaust Systems
- Frames
- Fuel Systems
- Lighting Devices
- Steering Mechanisms
- Suspensions
- Tires
For Drivers:
- Alcohol & Drugs
- Appropriate Driver's License
- Medical Examiner's Certificate
- Record of Duty Status
- Hours of Service
- Seat Belt
The 2023 dates include:
Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative - January 9 - 13 (US) | February 20 - 24 (CAN)
This initiative is a bit different from traditional CMV crash prevention measures, and instead focuses on addressing one of the largest human rights crises on the planet. It becomes a transportation issue when the criminals perpetuating these crimes utilize our public roads to do so. While part of the initiative focuses on investigating vehicles encountered, a more significant element is educating drivers who travel our country's roads daily on what to look for and how to respond when human trafficking is suspected.
International Roadcheck - May 16 - 18
International Roadcheck is the largest annual safety enforcement event put on by CVSA and has been in existence since 1988. According to CVSA, during the 72 hours of the event, nearly 15 trucks/buses are inspected every minute. During this Roadcheck CVSA inspectors "conduct compliance, enforcement, and educational initiatives targeted at various elements of motor carrier, vehicle, and driver safety."
Operation Safe Driver Week - July 9 - 15
Operation Safe Driver Week is unique in that it seeks to address unsafe driving habits by both Commercial Motor Vehicle drivers as well as passenger vehicles. Drivers of passenger vehicles don't always understand the proper way to operate around large trucks and buses, especially younger, less experienced drivers. This particular focus on driver actions is essential to accident prevention considering the statistic that driver actions contribute to 94% of all crashes.
Brake Safety Week - August 20 - 26
Brake Safety Week resumes focusing on CMVs, and specifically their brake systems. During an inspection, the inspectors will still conduct one of their standard inspections but with a particular focus on brake-related data. A number of brake system components are checked for missing parts or other non-functional aspects, vehicles with critical violations are removed from the road.
Unannounced one-day brake safety enforcement initiative - Surprise!
Another event focusing on brake systems, this surprise event can be held at any time during the year. During last year’s event, 1,290 CMVs in Canada and the United States were removed from the roadways for critical brake-related violations.
