The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) International Roadcheck on May 16-18, will target anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and cargo securement this year.

The 72-hour North America-wide enforcement blitz is conducted at weigh/inspection stations, designated inspection areas, and roadside throughout Canada and the US.

This year, inspectors will focus on anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and cargo securement to highlight the importance of those aspects of vehicle safety. Although ABS violations are not out-of-service violations, ABS play a critical role in reducing the risk of collisions by preventing the wheels from locking up or skidding, allowing a driver to maintain control of the vehicle while braking. In addition, improper cargo securement poses a serious risk to drivers and other motorists by adversely affecting the vehicle’s maneuverability, or worse, causing unsecured loads to fall, resulting in traffic hazards and vehicle collisions.

During International Roadcheck, inspectors will conduct their usual roadside safety inspections of commercial motor vehicles and drivers. Data will be gathered from those three days and shared later this year, as a snapshot of the state of commercial motor vehicle and driver safety.

Last year, Canadian enforcement placed 22.6% of inspected vehicles out of service during a May 17-19 campaign, compared to a 23.8% out-of-service rate in the U.S.

The top five vehicle out-of-service violations in Canada last year involved brake systems, cargo securement, defective service brakes, lights and tires.