5 Tips for Passing Roadcheck 2015
And this year is all about cargo securement. Well that and the annual Standard Level I inspection that the CVSA does every year to keep our roadways safer.
Now we know that the whole process may seem a little bit overwhelming, especially when you consider that the Standard Level I Inspection is a 37-Step process that examines both you and your truck. But rest assured, that we’ve got your back with 5 awesome tips to help you pass your roadcheck with flying colors!
5. Make A Checklist, Check it Twice
The Standard Level I Inspection checks both the driver and the vehicle. This means there are a few items the CVSA expects you to have on your person.
For the inspection you will need to have:
- Your Driver’s License
- Any endorsements you may have
- Your Medical Card
- Your hours-of-service documentation
The CVSA will also be inspecting you for seat-belt usage and checking to make certain you and other drivers never operate a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Easy, right?
4. Know Your Vehicle
The second half of the Standard Level I Inspection will center around the vehicle. Now, while you should always know everything that goes on with your vehicle, and not just once a year, there are a few specific things the CVSA is going to look at.
Know about and fix any issues with your vehicle’s:
- Cargo securement*, Braking system, Coupling devices, Exhaust system, Frame, Lights, Safe loading, Steering mechanism, Drive line, Suspension, Tires, Open-top trailer body, Wheels and rims, Windshield wipers
And, if you’re driving a bus, your emergency exit will be inspected
*Cargo securement is the main focus of Roadcheck 2015, so be prepared!
3. Keep Calm and Drive On
Now that you know what you need to have and what the CVSA will be inspecting on your vehicle, we’ll examine one of the most common mistakes—being nervous!
The biggest mistake you could make in any inspection is being nervous about someone inspecting your vehicle. The Annual Roadcheck is just a precautionary inspection to make certain that roadways stay safe.
You know your vehicle is safe, and you should be able trust that it is up to code and can pass any inspection. So no worries! Keep calm and don’t let those inspections get you down.
2. You Shall (Not) Pass
Even if you don’t pass and your vehicle is found with some faults, don’t take it as an insult; use it as a learning experience! Besides, it’s a 37-Step Inspection, there’s a good chance there could be some minor issues, but it’s all in the name of keeping you and everyone else safe.
In fact, The Annual Roadcheck has saved an estimated 318 lives and prevented over 5,000 roadway injuries and accidents. That’s a lot of people!
Remember not to worry so much about minor issues. Everybody misses stuff sometimes and no one is perfect…not even your truck!
1. Stay On-Top of Truck Maintenance!
The number one thing you need to remember is to keep your truck properly maintained! You shouldn’t wait a year before doing some much-needed maintenance on your truck.
And trust us, we know keeping up with maintenance and trucks can be difficult, but there’s a solution for that! TruckLogics can help you keep track of oil changes, brake light inspections, or any of the other thousand things you need to maintain on your truck and trailer. We’ll even send you auto-reminders so you don’t have to rely on sticky notes or your memory.
If you have any questions about maintenance tracking, truck management, or how to sign up for a free 15-day trial of TruckLogics, give us a call at 704.234.6946, or shoot us an email at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help!
Stay safe out there, Trucking Nation!
