This year, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has scheduled its annual safety blitz for May 17 through May 19. This year, the focus is on wheel ends – all of the components responsible for supporting heavy loads, maintaining stability, and safe braking. 

Since roadside inspections will be happening at a rapid pace during the safety roadcheck event, one of the biggest safety tips for CDL drivers is to ensure that they’re ready. Otherwise, an inspection may lead to issues, including fines and being taken out of service. If you want to make sure that you’re prepared, here’s what you need to know. 

What Happens During Safety Roadcheck Events?

During safety roadcheck events, roadside inspections occur far more frequently all across the United States. Along with reviews as weigh stations, there are temporary inspection sites and roving patrols, all of which can have drivers stop for inspection activities. 

The inspections themselves are straightforward, involving the reviewing person checking specific systems to ensure they’re in good repair and operating correctly. There are processes and procedures for addressing the violations if issues are identified. Anything from simple write-ups to being taken out of service is on the table. 

In the end, the goal of the safety roadcheck event is to improve roadway safety. By making a concerted effort, the annual blitz makes a difference, ensuring problem vehicles are identified and encouraging truckers to avoid inspection issues by making necessary repairs. 

The Inspection Types Drivers May Encounter

Drivers should expect Level One and Level Two inspections to potentially occur roadside. If your truck is properly prepared and passes a Level One check during the event, a CVSA decal may be issued, exempting the vehicle from Level One inspections for three months. That can make further travels easier, as Level Two or Level Three inspections may be all that’s required during the three-month period. 

Other inspections may also occur at stations. For those who pass Level Five inspections at terminals, a CVSA decal is also a possibility. 

Preparing for Safety Roadcheck 2022

In 2022, the safety roadcheck is focusing on wheel-end components. Since that’s the case, drivers and trucking companies should spend time checking those critical systems in advance of the safety blitz. That creates opportunities to identify potential issues and make necessary repairs before the inspection teams are out in full force. 

However, it’s important to note that issues not relating to wheel-end components aren’t ignored along the way. While the emphasis is on wheel ends, any system can be targeted for an inspection. Since that’s the case, it’s best for drivers to use a comprehensive approach. 

Ideally, pre-and post-trip inspections should be part of your broader routine. That way, potential problems are spotted as early as possible. In some cases, that makes repairs easier to manage. Plus, it reduces the odds of being taken out of service at any point, not just during the safety roadcheck event. 

Keep Your Trucks on The Road

Ultimately, the safety blitz helps keeps roadways safe, making it a critical event. If you’d like to keep your trucks on the road with safe and qualified drivers, the staff at PTS® wants to hear from you. Contact us today.