2024 International Roadcheck Results: Key Truck Safety Violations & Industry Insights

The International Roadcheck 2024 results are in, offering valuable insights into the state of commercial motor vehicle (CMV) safety across North America. Conducted by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) from May 14-16, this annual event saw a total of 48,761 inspections of trucks and motorcoaches in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The focus for this year’s inspections was on tractor protection systems (TPS) and alcohol and controlled substances possession.

A total of 77% of CMVs and 95.2% of drivers passed the inspection without any out-of-service (OOS) violations. However, the 23% of vehicles and 4.8% of drivers that were placed out of service highlight key safety concerns that must be addressed.

Total Violations:

• 13,576 vehicle OOS violations
• 2,714 driver OOS violations
• 163 hazardous materials/dangerous goods OOS violations

Key Stats:

• 9,345 vehicles were placed out of service.
• 2,290 drivers were placed out of service.

Focus Areas of 2024 Roadcheck

1. Tractor Protection Systems (TPS) The 2024 vehicle focus was on TPS, which includes the tractor protection valves, anti-bleed-back valves, and trailer supply valves. Inspectors uncovered 564 TPS-related violations, underscoring the importance of maintaining these critical systems. Failing TPS can lead to brake failure, which is not only a danger to drivers but also to other road users. With defective brakes being the leading cause of vehicle OOS violations in North America, it's clear that proper maintenance of braking systems is crucial for preventing crashes and ensuring public safety.
2. Alcohol and Controlled-Substance Possession: This year’s driver focus was on alcohol and controlled-substances possession. Inspectors discovered:

• 78 drug-related OOS violations
• 26 alcohol possession/use OOS violations
• Additionally, 535 safety belt violations were noted, highlighting a need for improved safety practices among drivers.

The focus on alcohol and controlled substances is critical as impaired driving continues to pose a significant risk on the roads. Driving under the influence not only impairs reaction times but also judgment, which can lead to severe accidents. By cracking down on alcohol and drug-related violations, the CVSA aims to create safer roadways for both commercial drivers and the general public.

Vehicle Violations:

1. Defective service brakes – 3,387 violations
2. Tires – 2,821 violations
3. Other brake-related violations – 2,486 violations
4. Lights – 1,569 violations
5. Cargo securement – 1,303 violations

Driver Violations:

1. Hours of service (HOS) – 870 violations
2. No commercial driver's license (CDL) – 688 violations
3. No medical card – 304 violations
4. False logs – 297 violations
5. Suspended CDL – 138 violations

Hazardous Materials/Dangerous Goods Violations:

1. Loading – 60 violations
2. Placards – 43 violations
3. Shipping papers – 37 violations
4. Bulk package – 8 violations
5. Training certification – 7 violations

The 2024 International Roadcheck highlights key areas of concern that the industry must address to improve overall safety.

• Brake Safety: Brake-related violations continue to be the most common vehicle issue, underscoring the importance of regular brake inspections and maintenance. Drivers and carriers must prioritize the health of the braking system to ensure the safety of the vehicle and everyone on the road.
• Hours of Service Compliance: Hours of service violations were the top driver-related offense. This emphasizes the need for better HOS management to reduce driver fatigue and prevent accidents. Fatigued driving is often compared to driving under the influence due to its impact on reaction time, awareness, and decision-making.
• Driver Qualifications: Violations related to drivers lacking proper licenses and certifications were also a significant issue, indicating the need for stricter verification and training procedures. Drivers must have the necessary qualifications not just to meet regulatory standards but also to ensure their own safety and that of others.
• Hazardous Materials: Proper handling of hazardous materials is crucial, with the majority of violations occurring in loading procedures, placards, and shipping papers. These materials present unique risks and must be handled with the utmost care to prevent accidents or environmental damage.

The violations uncovered during the Roadcheck highlight persistent issues within the industry that, if not addressed, could lead to serious accidents, legal consequences, and financial losses. For carriers, maintaining compliance with safety standards is not just about avoiding penalties but also about protecting their drivers, cargo, and business reputation. A single incident involving a hazardous material spill, for example, could result in costly cleanups, legal battles, and damage to a company’s public image.

As the trucking industry evolves, technology is playing an increasingly critical role in promoting safety. From advanced telematics to automated driver assistance systems (ADAS), there are several tools available to help carriers monitor and improve the performance of their fleets.

• Telematics Systems: These systems allow carriers to track the real-time performance of their vehicles and drivers. They can monitor speed, braking patterns, fuel efficiency, and more, providing critical insights that can be used to coach drivers and improve safety. Telematics also make it easier to ensure compliance with hours-of-service regulations by tracking driving time.
• Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS): ADAS features such as lane departure warnings, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control are designed to reduce the likelihood of accidents. These systems can assist drivers by providing real-time feedback and automatic interventions in potentially dangerous situations.
• Driver Monitoring Systems: Cameras and sensors inside the cab can detect signs of driver fatigue, distraction, or drowsiness. If such behavior is detected, the system can alert the driver or the fleet manager to take corrective action.

Of the 48,761 inspections, here’s how they were categorized:

• Level I Inspections (37-step process checking driver credentials and vehicle components): 29,342 inspections.
• Level II Inspections (walk-around inspections of the vehicle and driver): 10,098 inspections.
• Level III Inspections (driver-only inspections, including hours of service and Clearinghouse status): 8,303 inspections.
• Level V Inspections (vehicle-only inspections): 1,018 inspections.

To reduce these violations and enhance safety, the industry needs to focus on the following areas:

• Enhanced Vehicle Maintenance: Regular inspections and addressing brake, tire, and light issues before they become violations is crucial. Fleet managers should implement preventive maintenance schedules and provide drivers with resources to report any mechanical issues immediately.
• Driver Training and Qualification: Ensuring drivers have the correct certifications, such as valid CDLs and medical cards, is vital. Ongoing driver training on HOS compliance and defensive driving techniques can reduce the risk of violations and accidents. Moreover, providing drivers with education on hazardous materials can minimize incidents during transport.
• Technology Adoption: Utilizing telematics, driver monitoring systems, and ADAS can help identify safety issues and improve overall performance.

Are you a carrier struggling to maintain compliance with DOT regulations and ensure the safety of your fleet? Fortress Fleet Solutions can help. Our expert team offers a range of DOT compliance services, including:

• DOT Compliance Consulting: We provide guidance on navigating complex regulations and ensuring compliance at all levels.
• Hours of Service (HOS) Consulting: We help you manage HOS effectively to prevent violations and maintain compliance.
• Safety Rating Improvement: We assist you in enhancing safety measures and achieving a higher safety rating.
• Vehicle Maintenance Solutions: We help you establish effective maintenance routines to ensure vehicle safety and DOT adherence.

Book a free DOT safety and compliance strategy session today to learn how we can help you improve your fleet's safety and efficiency.

Fortress Fleet Solutions is a leading provider of truck driver recruitment and DOT safety and compliance services. We specialize in connecting qualified drivers with reputable carriers while ensuring compliance with DOT regulations. Our team of experts has a deep understanding of the trucking industry and is committed to delivering exceptional service to our clients.