Have plans for June 5-7? If you’re a commercial motor vehicle driver, I’m about to add something to your calendar.

This year’s annual Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) Roadcheck is scheduled for June 5-7. International Roadcheck is the largest targeted enforcement program on commercial motor vehicles in the world, with around 17 trucks and buses inspected, on average, every minute in Canada, the United States, and Mexico during a 72-hour period. Since its inception in 1988, more than 1.5 million roadside inspections have been conducted during International Roadcheck campaigns.

So, what will this year’s focus be? Would you believe hours of service compliance?! It’s true, but why?

According to CVSA President Capt. Christopher Turner of the Kansas Highway Patrol, “The top reason drivers were placed out of service during 2017 International Roadcheck was for hours-of-service violations.” So, it makes perfect sense. To add some meat to that reasoning, check out this stat Turner provided — 32 percent of drivers who were placed out of service during last year’s three-day International Roadcheck were removed from our roadways due to violations related to hours-of-service regulations.

I’d say that’s a pretty good reason to draw attention to the issue. However, one thing I do want to warn drivers about is that many of the inspections will be Level I, which includes a complete mechanical check.

If you have any questions about the upcoming inspections, how they could impact you, or what you can do to prepare, don’t hesitate to reach out to me!