This year’s Roadcheck event will take place this month from May 16th, 2023 thru May 18th. Inspectors will focus on anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and cargo securement.

ABS plays a critical role in reducing collisions. A properly functioning ABS will prevent wheels from locking up or skidding, allowing a driver to maintain control of the vehicle while braking. It is crucial for drivers to observe the diagnostic check during pre- and post-trip inspections to ensure the ABS is functioning properly. ABS lamps that fail to illuminate during the diagnostic check, or lamps that remain illuminated while in transit, indicate an ABS malfunction that must be repaired. 

During inspection of ABS on a commercial motor vehicle, inspectors will:  

• Determine whether ABS is required on the vehicle(s)
• Ensure the ABS lamp cycles on and off for all ABSrequired vehicles during the diagnostic check 
• Check for indications of an ABS malfunction, such as lamps remaining on during transit

Improper or inadequate cargo securement accounted for 10.6% of the vehicle out-of-service violations during last year’s International Roadcheck, and past International Roadcheck data routinely found cargo securement in the top five of vehicle out-of-service violations. Improper cargo securement poses a serious risk to drivers and other motorists. Inadequate cargo securement may adversely affect the vehicle’s maneuverability, or worse, cause unsecured cargo to fall into the roadway, resulting in traffic hazards and vehicle collisions. Drivers should verify proper securement and inspect tie downs during their pre- and post-trip inspections, as well as periodically during their trip, to ensure the cargo remains secure. 

During inspection of cargo securement on a commercial motor vehicle, inspectors will:  

• Ensure spare tires, loads, cargo and dunnage are secured and prevented from falling, blowing, spilling or leaking from the vehicle, or rolling or shifting in transit
• Confirm there are enough tie downs for the weight and length of the items being transported
• Check for defective securement devices (e.g., loose, torn, damaged, bent, knotted tie downs)
• Inspect anchor points and structures for damage  
• Verify commodity-specific cargo is secured in accordance with the regulations

It’s imperative that we all stay safe out there – let’s all do our part to take care of ourselves, our equipment, and those who we share the roads with. We appreciate all the work you do to move cargo safely! 

If you are a CloudTrucks driver, remember clean level 1 and 2 inspections will be rewarded with a $500 gift card until June 30, 2023! Share a copy of your clean level 1 and 2 inspections with the safety team at safety@cloudtrucks.com. 

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