2004 Press Releases
2004
CVSA to Deliver Distance Learning on Commercial Vehicle Training
Beginning in January 2005, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance will be expanding its safety training to the commercial vehicle industry by using the Internet and teleconferencing technology (webinars) for distance learning. Each "webinar" training session will take two hours.
The opening seminar - North American Cargo Securement Standard - will provide information to help the commercial vehicle industry understand the reasoning behind the new standards for cargo securement. Knowing the specifics of the standards will make sure drivers and vehicles are prepared to transport cargo safely on the highways. Seminar participants will gain the knowledge they need to comply with the federal regulations through the seminar's various scenarios and examples on how the standard applies.
Tuesday, January 18 at 1 p.m. EST
The next seminar - North American Standard Inspection Familiarization - will provide truck and motorcoach owners with information on how to avoid costly violations of safety rules, vehicle downtime and potential crashes. This seminar can help the commercial vehicle industry learn how to make sure their drivers and vehicles pass a CVSA Critical Item Inspection and earn a CVSA decal. Seminar participants also will gain knowledge on detecting a vehicle's safety-related defects or violations before it enters a highway.
This seminar teaches the different levels of truck and passenger vehicle inspections, the inspecting officer's Critical Item Checklist and the North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria. The presentation also provides the attendees with "real world" examples of violations.
Tuesday, February 1 at 1 p.m. EST
» Click here to register for upcoming seminars
2004
Operation Air Brake 2004 Promoted Brake Safety and Education
The 6th annual Operation Air Brake campaign was recently completed throughout Canada and the U.S. This event takes place several times each year with both "unannounced" and "announced" events. The purpose is to bring attention to the importance of keeping commercial vehicle brakes in safe operating conditions.
More than 240,000 brakes were inspected this year during Operation Air Brake. During the announced event in September, there was an increase in the number of vehicles placed out of service over the 2003 September event, both for brake adjustment (from 11.0 to 11.4 percent) and brake component (from 7.5 to 8.8 percent) violations. For a detailed report of the inspection results, please visit www.cvsa.org.
Brake-related defects continue to be the most significant and frequent violations that safety inspectors discover during a roadside inspection. For that reason, the campaign emphasizes increasing the knowledge of drivers, mechanics and motor carriers regarding brake inspection, compliance and vehicle brake performance.
This year's Operation Air Brake campaign provided drivers and mechanics with demonstrations and educational materials on proper brake operation, how to recognize potential brake problems, and the need for properly maintained brakes. Some of the educational efforts took place at the 10 TravelCenters of America Truck Stops in Ohio, the Husky Truck Stop near Regina, Saskatchewan and the TravelCenters of America Truck Stop near Baltimore.
Terry Renfrow, Director of Equipment Compliance for Landstar Carrier Services, Inc., who participated in the Operation Air Brake event at the Baltimore TravelCenters of America Truck Stop, had these comments: "This was an exciting opportunity to bring drivers, mechanics, other trucking industry people and enforcement officers together to promote proper brake adjustments and proper brake inspection procedures. I hope we will continue such activities."
2004
Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day To Be Observed On October 10, 2004
For the fourth consecutive year, more than 40 major organizations, including the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, are working together to observe the annual "Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day" to draw attention to the need to reduce highway fatalities. In the last five years, 211,006 people have died on U.S. roadways.
The primary components of this annual event, which was originated in 2001 by the National Society of Professional Engineers, are driver behavior, vehicle equipment, design and maintenance, and roadway design, signage and road improvements.
The official slogan for Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day is "Drive as if Your Life Depends On It." Drivers also are urged to save lives by practicing and promoting these safe driving behaviors:
- Be physically sound and mentally sharp
- Maintain a safe speed, a safe following distance and a clear sight picture
- Be a courteous, conscientious and defensive driver
- Always wear a safety belt
CVSA reminds commercial motor vehicle drivers to avoid being distracted while driving, do pre- and post-trip inspections, be an aware, alert and defensive driver and be sure to wear a safety belt.
We also remind the entire driving community that in order to keep you and your family safe when driving near large trucks and buses, you should be extra cautious. Sharing the road with larger vehicles can be dangerous if you are not aware of their limitations. For more information and tips on how to drive around heavier vehicles, visit www.sharetheroadsafely.org.
CVSA Members and Associate Members are encouraged to actively support this program and to seek out other agencies and partners in their jurisdiction. Visit www.brakesonfatalities.org for more information on how you can help save lives by promoting "Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day." You will find information to help you tailor a "Put the Brakes on Fatalities" program that you can share throughout your circle of influence such as state government, state society chapters, community, schools and the media. And remember "Drive as if Your Life Depends on it."
2004
Size and Weight Allowances Extended Because of Hurricane Frances
With Hurricane Frances headed for Florida and other eastern states, Florida Governor Jeb Bush has issued a executive order extending the allowances for size and weight that are still in effect from Hurricane Charley. Governor Bush asks the states to continue allowing commercial vehicles providing relief supplies and services to traverse their states enroute to Florida to operate according to the same parameters as those provided in the previous request. (Visit www.dot.state.fl.us/mcco to view those allowance parameters and permits.)
Major Ken Carr of the FL DOT/Motor Carrier Compliance Office has asked CVSA to pass this information on to the Member States. He says Hurricane Frances is much bigger, much stronger and will be slower than Charley. This one, he says, is expected to be the "Big One".
For these reasons, CVSA asks for your cooperation to the extent possible.
2004
Alberta Inspector Wins 2004 North American Inspectors Championship
Troy Hasil, a CVSA-certified North American Standard Level I inspector from Alberta, Canada, took top honors at the North American Inspectors Championship as the winner of the Grand Champion Award for his combined performances in eight competition elements:
- North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria Examination
- Personal Interview
- North American Standard Level I Inspection
- Part "A" Driver/Credentials Inspection
- Part "B" Vehicle Inspection
- North American Standard Inspection Procedure
- North American Standard Hazardous Materials/Transportation of Dangerous Goods
- Package Inspection
- Cargo Tank/Bulk Package Inspection
- North American Standard Level V Motorcoach Inspection
Fifty CVSA-certified North American Standard Level I roadside inspectors competed in the 12th annual Championship that was held in Salt Lake City, Utah, August 16-22. Five inspectors represented Canada (Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Ontario, and Quebec). Two inspectors represented Mexico-SCT and forty-three inspectors represented the United States, including American Samoa and Puerto Rico.
As part of the activities, the inspectors spent two full days in training classes that included North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria, Hazardous Materials/Transportation of Dangerous Goods, U.S. hours of Service, and North American Standard Level V Motorcoach Inspection. Attendees also reviewed the CVSA website and the eLearning In-Service/Refresher web-based training programs.
Compliments of CVSA and various sponsors, contestants received copies of the most recent regulations and many safety publications.
The following list of the winners, as announced by Kerri Wirachowsky, David Abeita, and Paul Tamburelli (NAIC 2004 Committee Chairs):
North American Standard Level I Inspection
- Daniel Slick, Wisconsin State Patrol
- Troy Hasil, Alberta Transportation Inspection Services
- Thomas B. Jacobs, South Carolina State Transportation Police
North American Standard Level V Motorcoach Inspection
- Eric Ickes, Arizona Department of Public Safety
- Troy Hasil, Alberta Transportation Inspection Services
- Dalton Wiley, Louisiana State Police
North American Standard Hazardous Materials/Transportation of Dangerous Goods and Cargo Tank/Bulk Package Inspection
- Steven H. Bedard, Massachusetts State Police
- Thomas B. Jacobs, South Carolina State Transportation Police
- Rex Walker, Texas Department of Public Safety
Chris Richardson, Tennessee Department of Safety, received the prestigious John Youngblood Award that is presented each year to the inspector who best demonstrates these qualities: congeniality, leadership, integrity, professionalism and commitment.
The high points winners: Troy Hasil, Alberta Transportation Inspection Services (Canada); Thomas B. Jacobs, South Carolina State Transportation Police (United States); and Marco A.N. Arroyo (Mexico).
The award presenters were John H. Hill, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Assistant Administrator and Chief Safety Officer; Captain Paul Claunch, Arkansas Highway Police, and Stephen F. Campbell, CVSA Executive Director.
Mr. Campbell also presented recognition awards to the American Trucking Associations, the Utah Department of Public Safety, Utah Highway Patrol, and the Utah Department of Transportation, Motor Carrier Division for their tremendous support of this year's event.
The North American Inspectors Championship is funded by the FMCSA and managed by the CVSA. The Championship's theme is "Education, Performance and Uniformity". The NAIC is the only event dedicated to recognizing and rewarding commercial vehicle inspector excellence.
2004
Safe Brakes Save Lives
September 1, 2004 will find CVSA-Certified inspectors conducting specialized inspections on trucks and buses to make sure the vehicles' brakes are safe.
This activity, a part of Operation Air Brake, takes place several times a year, using both "unannounced" and "announced" events. The purpose of Operation Air Brake is to bring attention to the importance of keeping commercial vehicle brakes in safe condition. Brake-related defects continue to be the most significant and frequent violations that safety inspectors discover during a roadside inspection. For that reason, the annual campaign places a major emphasis on (1) increasing drivers', mechanics' and motor carriers' knowledge of brake inspection, compliance and vehicle brake performance; and (2) encouraging commercial vehicle brake system inspections throughout North America.
The official slogan for the Operation Air Brake Campaign is "Have You Checked Your Brakes Today?"
The 2004 campaign has added an educational feature that is intended to provide drivers and mechanics with demonstrations and educational materials on proper brake operation; how to recognize potential brake problems; and the need for properly maintained brakes. Demonstrations are scheduled to take place at the Travel Centers of America Truck Stop located near Baltimore, Maryland, the Husky Truck Stop east of Regina, Saskatchewan, and all 10 Travel Centers of America Truck Stops in Ohio. In addition to the driver education, in some places, mechanics will be providing brake adjustments at no charge and vendors will be providing free brake seminars. No enforcement action will be taken at these events.
2004
Truck and Bus Brake Safety Campaign Adds New Feature
The Operation Air Brake Campaign that takes place throughout the United States and Canada is adding a new feature to its efforts to improve commercial vehicle brake safety throughout erica.
On September 1, in addition to the brake inspections that will take place at roadside locations, several Truck Stop operators have volunteered to help sponsor Brake Safety Inspection/Awareness events. These activities are intended to further educate drivers and mechanics on the importance of proper brake inspection, maintenance and operation. This is especially important because braking systems on commercial vehicles are complicated and contain many parts that need frequent inspection and attention to ensure proper operation and safe performance.
The Truck Stop Brake Safety Inspection/Awareness demonstrations will be conducted by CVSA certified commercial vehicle inspectors and will be educational rather than an enforcement activity. The demonstrations and the educational material the drivers will receive on proper brake operation, how to recognize potential brake problems and the need for properly maintained brakes are intended to provide them with a learning experience that will enhance safety on the highways. The educational material will also be available to drivers whose vehicles will be inspected at the Operation Air Brake roadside inspections.
Brake-related defects continue to be the most significant and frequent violations that safety inspectors discover during a roadside inspection. For that reason, the annual Operation Air Brake Campaign places a major emphasis on (1) increasing drivers' and motor carriers' knowledge of brake compliance and vehicle brake performance; and (2) encouraging commercial vehicle brake system inspections throughout North America.
Several international events are scheduled each year. The first, which has an enforcement emphasis, takes place on "unannounced" dates. The second, which has an educational focus, is "announced" and takes place the first week in September. The official slogan for Operation Air Brake is "Have You Checked Your Brakes Today?'
2004
U.S. Court of Appeals Vacates New Hours-of-Service Rules
The U.S. Court of Appeals decided to vacate the new hours of service rules that became effective January 4, 2004. The Court of Appeals' decision remands the rule to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration for further action consistent with this opinion.
The CVSA Headquarters is working on getting answers to questions that arise from Members and Associate Members. The specific information and answers will be shared as soon as possible.
Until further notice, the current hours-of-service regulations will remain in effect.
For the complete opinion, click here. Also, for the latest statement from FMCSA, click here.
If you have questions or comments, please send them by e-mail to cvsahq@cvsa.org.
2004
Focus on Highway Safety and Reap the Rewards
The results are in from the 72-hour Roadcheck 2004 that took place recently throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Of the 57,785 driver and vehicle inspections conducted, a CVSA decal was placed on 27,749 commercial vehicles showing that no safety violations were found during the vehicle inspection. That is the highest number of vehicles with no violations discovered in the history of the 16 previous annual Roadchecks.
The 7,968 state and provincial inspectors and the 217 federal inspectors presented drivers with brochures to remind them that wearing a safety belt can save their lives, reduce injuries and avoid receiving a citation. Evidently, the message about the importance of wearing a safety belt has taken hold as the inspectors found only 1.3 percent of all drivers inspected during Roadcheck 2004 were not wearing a safety belt.
Other important Roadcheck 2004 results included fewer hours-of-service violations. Inspectors found out-of-service violations in 3.44 percent of the inspections; in 2003, the percentage was 3.69 percent. This is a positive sign that compliance with the revised hours-of-service regulations that took effect in the US on January 4, 2004 is moving in the right direction. Also, the hazardous materials out-of-service rate dropped slightly this year for vehicles (19.1 from 20.0 percent) and was equal to last year's number for drivers (2.3 percent).
Unfortunately, not all of statistics ring the "safety" bell. For the second year in a row, vehicle out-of-service rates were higher — 23.9 in Roadcheck 2004 versus 22.7 percent in 2003 and 22.0 percent in 2002. This year, driver out-of-service rates remained at 5.0 percent. Motorcoaches showed a slight increase in out-of-service rates this year — from 9.5 to 9.6 percent for vehicles and 1.7 to 2.7 percent for drivers. Also, the number of violations discovered per vehicle rose to 2.01, an increase over 1.78 violations in Roadcheck 2003.
CVSA Executive Director Stephen F. Campbell noted, "Unfortunately, we continue to see that a portion of the industry is not focused on making sure their equipment is properly maintained. However, inspectors are using all the tools available to them to find these offenders. We applaud those motor carriers and drivers who are improving highway safety by doing things right."
FMCSA Administrator Annette M. Sandberg said, "The roadside inspection program, and the emphasis placed on the international Roadcheck, are important activities in support of FMCSA's overall mission to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving large trucks and buses."
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance sponsors the annual Roadchecks with participation by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators, Transport Canada, the Research and Special Programs Administration and the Secretariat of Communications and Transportation (Mexico). The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Transportation Security Administration also participated in Roadcheck 2004.
2004
Supreme Court Says Environmental Study of Mexican Trucks Not Needed
On Monday, June 7, the Supreme Court ruled that an environmental study on the effect of opening the United States Southern border to Mexican trucks is not necessary. This decision removes an important obstacle to opening the border and allows the Bush Administration to begin the process of fully implementing cross-border commercial vehicle traffic for both the United States and Mexico.
The exact date for opening the border is yet to be determined. Both the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Administration are reviewing the Court's decision. There will be at least a 30 day waiting period before any implementation steps can be taken.
Prior to this court challenge, the Department of Transportation had taken steps to comply with the border truck safety standards and enforcement procedures set by the Congress in 2001.
2004
Truck and Bus Safety Inspectors to Compete in Championship Event
During the week of August 16-22, 2004 more than 50 highly-trained commercial motor vehicle safety inspectors from Canada, the U.S. and Mexico will gather in Salt Lake City, Utah to participate in the 12th annual North American Inspectors Championship. The inspectors will have the honor of representing their state or province.
Throughout the week, the inspectors will test their abilities on how to determine whether truck and bus drivers and their vehicles meet minimum highway safety requirements. While those who make the highest marks will receive achievement awards, every inspector will be a winner who gains knowledge by attending classes on the latest transportation technology, North American Standard Inspection Procedures, North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria and regulations concerning hours of service, hazardous materials or transportation of dangerous goods and North American cargo securement requirements. The Championship event also provides an opportunity for the inspectors to share ideas, techniques and experiences.
The competing inspectors are among the nearly 10,000 safety inspectors who play an important role in promoting highway safety throughout North America. Their continuing goal is to reduce the number of fatalities and injuries resulting from crashes that involve commercial vehicles. While most of the inspections are conducted at highway inspection stations or weigh scales, there is a growing use of mobile vehicle inspection stations that are helping to improve highway safety.
This event, which is funded by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, is managed and coordinated by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance and its team of international, inter-agency and private industry members who provide the inspector contestants with a memorable and rewarding experience.
The North American Inspectors Championship event will take place at the Salt Palace Convention Center where the American Trucking Associations will be conducting their annual National Trucking Driving Championship. Members of the public are invited to observe the activities at both events.
2004
Roadcheck 2004 - Road Safety is No Accident
Every year 1.2 million people are killed on highways worldwide and up to 50 million more people are injured. If current trends continue, the number of people killed and injured on the world's highways will rise by more than 60 percent between 2000 and 2020. This problem has become such an epidemic that the World Health Organization dedicated World Health Day 2004 to highway safety.
To help combat this epidemic, approximately 10,000 CVSA-certified truck and bus safety inspectors across North America will be on the job at inspection sites along major highways and in mobile patrols inspecting commercial vehicles during the seventeenth annual International Roadcheck. This event will take place for 72 continuous hours from June 8 through June 10. The annual Roadcheck activities focus on the year-round commercial vehicle and driver roadside inspection program and draw the public's attention to the continuous and combined efforts of law enforcement and the truck and bus industries to save lives on North American highways. Roadside truck and bus safety inspections are an everyday occurrence, with more than 3 million conducted in North America by CVSA-certified inspectors during 2003.
Roadchecks also provide an opportunity to distribute educational information to commercial vehicle drivers. This year, drivers will receive a reminder of the importance of wearing a safety belt while driving, as well as information regarding the North American Standard Inspection Program and hazardous materials safety and security. Other emphasis areas will include commercial vehicle security, intermodal equipment safety and cargo tank inspections. More than 600,000 pieces of safety information were distributed last year during the 3-day event.
To kick off Roadcheck 2004, the Arkansas Highway Police is hosting a media event on June 7th at a weigh station on Interstate 40 Westbound in West Memphis, Arkansas. A number of local, regional and national dignitaries will be participating in this event.
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance sponsors the annual Roadchecks, with participation by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators, Transport Canada, Transportation Security Administration, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Research and Special Programs Administration and the Secretariat of Communications and Transportation (Mexico). CVSA's members include enforcement agencies and industry representatives throughout Canada, Mexico and the United States.
CVSA-- Promoting Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety and Security
2004
Roadcheck 2004: Promoting Truck and Bus Safety and Security in North America
The seventeenth annual International Roadcheck will take place throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico during 72 continuous hours from June 8 through June 10. Approximately 10,000 CVSA certified truck and bus safety inspectors will be on the job at inspection sites along major highways. Roving patrols will inspect commercial vehicles traveling other highways.
During last year's Roadcheck, 55,784 inspections were performed on commercial vehicles by 9,471 state and provincial personnel at 1,097 locations throughout Canada and the United States. Another 4,816 inspections were performed by 378 Federal personnel at 140 U.S. locations.
The annual 72-hour Roadchecks focus on the year-round commercial vehicle and driver roadside inspection program and draw the public's attention to the continuous and combined efforts of law enforcement and the truck and bus industries to save lives on North American highways. Roadside safety inspections are an everyday occurrence, with more than 3 million roadside inspections conducted in North America by CVSA-certified inspectors during 2003.
Evidence of the success of inspectors and the truck and bus industries is demonstrated by the fact that fatalities from crashes involving commercial vehicles have declined over the years. In the United States, the rate of fatalities from large truck-involved crashes per 100 million vehicle miles in 1985 was 4.6. By 2002, it had dropped to 2.3 - a 50 percent decline. In Canada, from 1997 to 2001 the number of fatal crashes involving commercial vehicles dropped from 1,032 to 951 - and the corresponding fatalities decreased from 664 to 548 - a 17.5 percent decline.
Roadcheck also provides an opportunity to distribute educational information to commercial vehicle drivers. This year, drivers will receive a reminder of the importance of wearing a safety belt while driving, as well as information regarding the North American Standard Inspection Program. Other emphasis areas this year include commercial vehicle security, intermodal equipment safety and cargo tank inspections.
CVSA's President, 1st Lt. Paul Claunch, Assistant Commander of Special Services with the Arkansas Highway Police, says "Roadcheck provides the motoring public with a snapshot of commercial vehicle safety enforcement activities being conducted daily by highly trained state and provincial personnel throughout North America. It also gives the motor carrier industry an opportunity to showcase successful safety programs and their commitment to safety on our highways for all travelers."
"During the 2004 Roadcheck, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration will be conducting their annual National Tank Check project, emphasizing inspection of cargo tanks transporting hazardous materials. It is the time of the year that we and our State partners place special importance on the safety of vehicles transporting large amounts of hazardous materials," stated Administrator Annette Sandberg. "Our goal is to communicate to the cargo tank industry that safety takes the complete package--properly maintained equipment, properly trained and physically alert drivers, and a management team committed to making sure their employees practice good safety."
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance sponsors the annual Roadchecks, with participation by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators, Transport Canada, the Research and Special Programs Administration and the Secretariat of Communications and Transportation (Mexico). CVSA's members include the enforcement agencies and industry representatives in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
2004
New FMCSA Hours of Service FAQ's
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/Home_Files/hos/hos_faqs.asp
Detailed information about the rule can be found at www.fmcsa.dot.gov.
2004
Trucker Calls Focused on Compliance
New Hours-of-Service Feedback Largely Positive, Focused on Details
www.dot.gov/affairs/briefing.htm
An initial review released today shows that truckers contacting the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) are committed to following new hours-of-service rules, but still have questions about changes made to the 60-year old regulations. The review is based on thousands of calls from commercial drivers made to the FMCSA's 24-hour, toll-free help line established to answer questions about the new hours-of-service rule implemented Jan. 4.
Help line personnel have answered almost 5,500 calls from truckers wanting to understand the new rule. Initial call tracking reports indicate the majority of questions asked concern the sleeper-berth exemption, the 34-hour restart provision, the definition of a 14-hour workday, and procedures for recording hours in driver logbooks.
"Despite some dramatic predictions about the impact of the new rules, drivers are telling us they are working to comply," said FMCSA Administrator Annette M. Sandberg. "We're hearing thoughtful questions and witnessing a sincere desire to follow the new regulations."
The largest number of calls, 18 percent, concern the 34-hour restart period. Another 16 percent of callers want to know more about the sleeper berth provision. Nine percent have asked about the 60/70-hour workweek change. Likewise, five percent were calling about record keeping. The remaining calls vary widely, including questions specific to unique driving scenarios, questions on the difference between drive time and duty time, and inquiries into the use of electronic on-board recorders. FMCSA personnel answering the phones say that most calls are drivers trying to comply with the new rule. Anecdotal reports show that drivers are finding the new rules are not causing the types of problems predicted by some.
The toll-free telephone line, 1-800-598-5664, is staffed around the clock to answer drivers' questions. The line became active on Dec. 29, 2003.
It is estimated that the new hours-of-service rule will save 75 lives, prevent 1,326 fatigue-related injuries, and prevent 6,900 property damage-only crashes annually, saving the American economy $628 million a year. The rule represents the first major rewrite of the hours-of-service regulations in more than 60 years.
The cause of driver fatigue is the length of a driver's workday, not just the amount of time he or she spends on the road, according to Sandberg. "That's why DOT's new hours-of-service rule reduces a driver's workday by an hour and requires it to be consecutive, while allowing more of that time to be spent on the road, where most drivers earn their living," she said.
