Get Ready for Roadcheck 2015

It’s that time of year again! The annual Roadcheck begins in less than a week, and we’re here to help you pass with flying colors. So don’t stress! Stick with us, and we’ll tell you everything you need to know about passing your Roadcheck 2015!

Get to Know Your Roadcheck

The 28th Annual Life-Saving International Roadcheck will take place over the course of three days from June 2-4. And if you’re around the Washington-Idaho border, The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance will be holding a special event for truckers and drivers at 10:00am!

Since the annual Roadcheck began in 1988, it has inspected more than 1.4 million trucks and buses. And it’s saved an estimated 318 lives and has helped keep roadways safe by preventing more than 5,840 injuries!

There is an educational aspect to it as well. The CVSA could teach you better ways to be safe while driving and how to better prevent accidents! And it helps educate the general public about trucks and road safety.

Special Emphasis for 2015

Each Roadcheck, there is a special emphasis on a category of violations for the soon-to-be inspected heavy vehicles.

The special category violation emphasis for this year is cargo securement. This means the CVSA will be providing information, tips, and tricks about how to make sure your future cargo is secured, and they will also be heavily inspecting the safety of your current cargo securement.

In addition to inspecting cargo securement, the inspectors in North America will also be giving Standard Level I inspections to all trucks and truckers. This is the most in-depth inspection in the trucking nation with a 37-step process that examines both the driver and vehicle.

Checklist

Now, the Standard Level I inspection may sound a little terrifying at first, but it’s a small price to pay for road safety. Besides, it’s a lot less daunting when you know what to expect! So, here is everything you need to know about passing a Standard Level I inspection!

Driver Inspection

The first part of the Standard Level I inspection examines the driver. For this part of the inspection, you’ll only need a few things:

• Your Driver’s License 
• Any endorsements you may have
• Your Medical Card 
• Hours-of-service documentation

In addition to checking for these essential items, inspectors will also be checking to make certain you are using your seat belt, and that you are not driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Vehicle Inspection

The second part of the Standard Level I inspection will examine your vehicle. For this part of the inspection the CVSA will be examining:

• The vehicle’s braking system
• Coupling devices
• Exhaust system
• Vehicle frame
• Fuel system
• Lights
• Safe loading
• Steering mechanism
• Drive line
• Suspension
• Tires
• Open-top trailer body
• Wheels and rims
• Windshield wipers
• Emergency exits on buses

Now that you know what to expect for Roadcheck 2015, you’re ready to enjoy this year’s Roadcheck festivities, and to make your truck is safe for you and everyone else on the road!

Road safety is definitely this year’s hottest trend–right behind gas card giveaways, like our very own Get Pumped Giveaway (get it?)! To enter to win a $50 gas card, simply “Like Us” on Facebook by May 31st.

Don’t forget, if you have any truck tax related questions, we’re always here for you! We’re here in Rock Hill, SC, day or night, in English or Spanish, via email at support@expresstrucktax.com, phone at 704.234.6005, and we can even chat with you online.

Here’s to happy and safe trucking!