Every year in North Carolina and around the country, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance conducts an International Road check inspection. Typically occurring over a 72-hour period, law enforcement will increase checks with a greater focus on certain driver requirements. These checks will include reviews of electronic logging devices, seat belt use, commercial driver’s license endorsements, medical cards and records of duty status.
Usually, this review in federal trucking regulations occurs each year in June with the intent of preventing commercial truck accidents. However, organizers are open to holding the inspections during any month with favorable weather conditions.
The purpose of the inspections is to focus on driver regulations. Enforcement will still conduct a full level-one North American Standard 37-point probe on all vehicles to ensure compliance. For this part of the inspection, law enforcement officers will inspect exhaust systems, steering, suspension, tires, brake systems, cargo securement, frames, lights, driveline components and more.
For trucks and drivers who pass inspection, they will receive a CVSA decal to apply to the vehicle that will signify they have already gone through and passed an inspection conducted by a certified inspector. However, for those who do not pass inspection, they run the risk of being completely placed out of service. Historically, most violators have been caught for violating hours of service, having the wrong class license or providing false logs.
These inspections are so important in preventing accidents and other negligent acts by drivers. However, many serious accidents still occur every year that injure innocent pedestrians and can cost them their lives. For those who have been injured or worse by a negligent driver, seeking the advice of an experienced commercial truck accident attorney may help to protect victims’ rights and financial future.