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Safety Bulletin - International Roadcheck Is Next Week, May 4-6

Apr. 30 2021 Miscellaneous By McCandless Idealease

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Read the latest Idealease Safety Bulletin "International Roadcheck is Next Week, May 4-6" online, or click the image below to download a full PDF version that you can share with your team.  Remember to sign up to have them delivered straight to your inbox each week for instant access to the latest safety news, tips and information!  

Looking for past safety bulletins? Check out the complete archive at: https://www.idealease.com/safety-compliance/safety-bulletins

INTERNATIONAL ROADCHECK 2021 - FOCUS ON HOURS-OF-SERVICE COMPLIANCE AND LIGHTING

Quick overview of 2020 results:

  • Inoperable lamps were #1 vehicle violation, accounting for 12% of all vehicle related violations found in 2020
  • Hours of Service was #1 driver-related violation, accounting for 35% of all driver out-of-service conditions in 2020
  • Reference Article 

Quick Facts about the International Roadcheck:

  • CVSA program with participation by US FMCSA, Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators, Transport Canada, and the Secretariat of Communications and Transportation (Mexico)
  • The NORTH AMERICAN STANDARD LEVEL 1 INSPECTION is the primary inspection that inspectors will be conducting, which is the most thorough inspection for both the driver and truck
  • It is the largest, targeted, 72-hour commercial vehicle enforcement program in the world
  • Nearly 17 trucks or buses inspected every minute in US, Canada and Mexico
  • More than 1.5 Million roadside inspections have been conducted since its inception (during International Roadcheck campaigns)

LEARN MORE about the International Roadcheck

DOWNLOAD A PRINTABLE CHECKLIST FOR YOUR DRIVERS 

Some Tips to help avoid Light and HOS violations during Roadcheck:

LIGHTS:

Inoperable lights are obvious - one of the most visible defects a vehicle can have. Inspectors can spot a broken lamp easily. 

Consider these tips to help avoid light violations:

  1. Drivers must check all required lights during daily pre and post-trip inspections. It is required under §392.7 and §396.11. 
  2. Refer to §393.11 for a list of all DOT-required lights, and make sure drivers know what is required depending on their vehicle type.
  3. All lights on the unit must work!  Even lights that are not required by the FMCSA.  Lights not working will generate a violation and depending on the light could cause an OOS violation.
  4. Drivers must make sure their lights are not only working, but clean. A dirty light may not meet the candlepower standards and could result in a violation. Make sure drivers have cleaning supplies in the vehicle.
  5. Drivers must also ensure all required reflective tape and reflectors are in place and clean. (Conspicuity) If tape or a reflector was required at the time of manufacture, it must be maintained — you can find the manufacturing standards in 49 CFR §571.108.
  6. Drivers must carry spare fuses for any light circuit that relies on a fuse. This is required under §393.95. Though not required, drivers may also want to carry spare bulbs. 

HOURS-OF-SERVICE:

  1. Out-of-Service Orders can be issued if you are in violation. If you are required to operate with an ELD, and if caught driving without one, you will be immediately placed out of service for 10 hours. Fines and violations will also be issued. If placed out of service, an ELD must be installed/operable before next trip.
  2. The ELD must be compliant.
  3. The drivers must have the following documentation on hand:
    • The ELD user manual
    • Step-by-step instructions on how to transfer data to enforcement officials. 
    •  A step-by-step guide on managing ELD malfunctions, as well as how to manually record hours of service data.
    • Blank Logbook with a minimum of eight days
  1. You can temporarily operate with a broken device. All drivers are required to carry blank logs so they can continue logging their hours on paper in the event of a device malfunction. These paper logs can be used for eight days.

What if there is a violation?

If the driver or equipment violation is not placed out-of-service (OOS), the vehicle can be driven, but the defect MUST be recorded on the post-trip inspection report AND repaired before next dispatch. 

IF driver is placed OOS, he/she CANNOT drive until the violation is repaired. 

Things to do leading up to and during International Roadcheck 2021:

  • Complete your pre and post trip inspections DAILY
  • Address repairs immediately
  • DO NOT operate a Commercial Vehicle if your ELD device indicates you are in violation (in the red). This is by law!
  • Keep your logs up to date for the day and the 7-days prior
  • DO NOT ever skip a DOT Station while in your commercial vehicle. Anyone operating a vehicle GVWR 10,001 lbs. or more is in a commercial vehicle.
  • If you are subject to the Level 1 Inspection, DO NOT simply hand over your ELD tablet and expect the officer to navigate the ELD system. Follow the officer’s direction. You will be in violation if you do not appear trained in the use of your ELD.
  • CLEAN YOUR TRUCK EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR! Dirty/cluttered trucks indicate to a DOT Officer that you do not take safety seriously. No trash, no leaks or oil, no unsecured items!
     

COVID-19 CONSIDERATIONS DURING ROADSIDE INSPECTIONS

Precautions will be used by inspectors to help prevent and minimize the spread of COVID-19.  Your drivers should also be prepared and/or do the following:

1. Ensure they are equipped with personal protective equipment: more than 1 mask on hand, disposable gloves, disinfectant, hand sanitizer and a spare pen. 

2. Remember to keep a distance from inspectors.  Stay in the cab whenever possible and/or stand in a crosswind while outside so that airborne particles are not directed at them. 

3.  Avoid touching shared documents and objects as much as possible. 

SEAT BELTS SAVE LIVES - CLICK IT OR TICKET!

National Seat Belt Enforcement Mobilization begins May 17th! 

Seat belts have been proven to be one of the best ways to save your life in a crash. May 17th- June 6th, the Click it or Ticket campaign will be focusing on safety education, laws, and law enforcement support to save lives. 

MAY IS MOTORCYCLE SAFETY AWARENESS MONTH

More than 2 out of 3 fatal motorcycle crashes involve another vehicle. Often the motorist does not see the motorcycle at all, or not in enough time to avoid a crash. 

Learn More about Motorcycle Safety: https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/motorcycles

NHTSA Motorcycle Safety Campaigns

*The Idealease Safety Bulletin is provided for Idealease locations and their customers and is not to be construed as a complete or exhaustive source of compliance or safety information. The Idealease Safety Bulletin is advisory in nature and does not warrant, guarantee, or otherwise certify compliance with laws, regulations, requirements, or guidelines of any local, state, or Federal agency and/or governing body, or industry standards.