Spring and Summer CSVA Round-Up – 2023!

April 10, 2023
spring

Spring, Sprang, Sprung

After a winter that felt like it was going on for far too long, spring has finally arrived!

As we all finish thawing out, it’s always a good idea to look at what the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has in store for the warmer months and plan accordingly.

Pull up your calendar or grab a pen; we have some good information to share.

New Out-of-Service Criteria

Annually, the CVSA’s changes to the existing Out-of-Service Criteria (OOSC) are approved in October and take effect the following April 1st; this year is no exception.

Here are the changes for 2023:

  • False Logs – Clarification is given as to whether a falsified log constitutes a violation or an imminent hazard.
  • Computer-Assisted Logs – ELD-exempt drivers who use a computer-assisted log will no longer be penalized for not printing that log out.
  • Drug Use – A driver will no longer be placed out-of-service for being under the influence of drugs more than 24 hours prior.

For the full details on the latest OOSC changes, see the CVSA’s document here. There’s also an excellent, in-depth explanation that includes the rationale behind this year’s changes in this article.

International Roadcheck

Next month, the CVSA is holding their annual International Roadcheck from May 16th through the 18th. Inspectors throughout Canada, Mexico, and the United States will conduct their annual inspection and enforcement with a clear focus on anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and cargo securement.

The emphasis on ABS is mostly self-explanatory as it is a crucial component of accident avoidance, allowing drivers to maintain control of their vehicle while braking. But improper cargo securement, alone, accounted for 10.6% of all out-of-service violations issued during 2022’s International Roadcheck, and is an issue that’s regularly in the top five.

Learn more about this year’s Roadcheck and download the CVSA’s inspection tip sheet included in our recent Safety Bulletin, here.

Operation Safe Driver Week

Shifting the focus slightly from vehicles to drivers, this year’s Operation Safe Driver Week will be held a few months after the roadcheck, from July 9th through the 15th. During this week, law enforcement will be in heightened alert for any commercial or passenger vehicles driving in an unsafe or dangerous manner.

There is clear data that shows how preemptive enforcement by police officers reduces the likelihood of a serious incident occurring. Check all the information and detailed data on the CVSA website, here.

International Driver Excellence Award

Finally, the CVSA has opened nominations for the International Driver Excellence Award of 2023. In addition to a $5000 prize, this year’s winner will be invited to accept their award at the CVSA’s Annual Conference and Exhibition in Grapevine, Texas.

Airfare and a two-night stay for two people is included—nominees are not required to be members or affiliated with CVSA. Read all the details and nominate someone here.