Annual truck, bus inspections show slight increase in violations

Washington – The rate of commercial motor vehicles and drivers placed out of service during the 25th annual Roadcheck – a safety enforcement and outreach event – was slightly higher than in 2011, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance announced recently.

Inspectors from CVSA and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Admiration evaluated 74,072 trucks and buses between June 5 and 7 at select locations throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. Vehicles were inspected for violations such as braking systems maintenance status and tire condition, and drivers were evaluated for behaviors such as safety belt use and completion of proper certifications.

According to a CVSA press release, 20.9 percent of vehicles inspected were placed out of service, compared with 19.3 percent in 2011. Additionally, 4.6 percent of drivers were placed out of service, compared with 4.2 in 2011. CVSA said 848 safety belt violations were reported in 2012 – the lowest total since 2007.