Roadcheck 2011 sends important safety message to commercial trucks, buses, and their drivers

Last week, truck and bus safety inspectors across America were on the job night and day for the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance's annual Roadcheck.  During the three days of Roadcheck, inspectors check vehicles and their drivers at sites along major highways in North America.  Other safety teams stay in motion, performing inspections on less traveled roadways.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrator Anne Ferro kicked off the event in Virginia, thanking our law enforcement partners and reminding those gathered that "We will not tolerate unsafe carriers--whether trucks or buses--that endanger the public."

The strong FMCSA presence did not stop there.  In Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, South Carolina, and Georgia, FMCSA leaders kicking off Roadcheck events echoed Administrator Ferro's message that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has one single mission: To raise the bar for safer trucks, buses, and drivers.

Safety activities like the annual Roadcheck campaign support that important mission.  During Roadcheck, approximately 14 trucks or buses are inspected every minute from Canada to Mexico.  Brakes, tires, and lights are thoroughly tested, and every major component of the truck or bus is examined.  Last year, Roadcheck teams conducted more than 65,000 inspections.  Although the final numbers are not yet in, this year we expect to exceed 70,000.

Now, it’s not just the tires, lights and brakes–the driver is also a critical part of Roadcheck.  FMCSA studies have shown that drivers play a role in nearly nine out of ten large truck fatal crashes.  We know, for example, that driver fatigue is a factor in many commercial vehicle crashes, so drivers will be asked to show their logbooks and demonstrate that they've taken appropriate rest periods.  They will also be asked to display their Commercial Driver's License and medical examiner’s certificate.

While Roadcheck lasts only three days, our safety efforts and those of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance continue around the clock.  So, to all of the safety inspectors around the country, thanks for your constant vigilance, and keep up the good work.

And to all of the commercial drivers on our roadways, even as we're trying to get the few bad actors off the road, we know that most of you are doing a terrific job of keeping your vehicles and yourselves in top safety condition.  We appreciate that and urge you to think safety every time, every trip.

Comments

[Grab Hire Weybridge]

This ia a great move. I have found oever the period of the trade downturn, that a few companies have cut corners for finacial reasons. carrier safety is still very important for all of us. For a change this is a welcome inspection.

[Jason Haggard]

I don't need roadcheck to remind me of anything I made it a habit to inspect and fix things as needed, so now it's as instinctive for me as it is for some to reach for a morning cup of coffee.

It probably wouldn't hurt to start doing a roadcheck for non-commercial vehicles every so often as there are millions of them on the road as well, and I'm sorry but can anyone answer this question.

Is it more dangerous in a car vs. commercial vehicle impact or a commercial vehicle vs. car impact?

Either vehicle can cause an accident and the results can be the same regardless of who triggered the reaction.

[Chele]

Excuse me? Why do you NOT word that correctly. Drivers in CARS cause more than 70% of crashes with big rigs!!!!! WHY is it NOT an ABSOLUTE MUST to EDUCATE these people in cars of the BASIC abilities & INABILITIES of rigs????? You start educating the "general" public & ACTUALLY follow through w/ fines- you will see a HUGE difference in number of crashes!