2024 Roadcheck Focuses on Tractor Protection Systems and Alcohol and Drug Use by Truck Drivers
Every year, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) conducts its International Roadcheck—a three-day, high-visibility enforcement campaign focused on commercial motor vehicle safety. This year, 2024 Roadcheck placed special emphasis on inspecting tractor protection systems and monitoring alcohol and drug use among truck drivers. With trucking accidents being a significant concern for the safety of drivers across the country, understanding the results of this inspection is insightful and enlightening for those who regularly deal with the aftermath of tractor-trailer crashes caused by a truck driver’s or trucking company’s negligence.
Read on to learn about the results of this year’s truck safety inspections. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a trucking accident in Orange County or the Hudson Valley, contact Dupée & Monroe, P.C., to speak with an experienced and successful Goshen truck accident lawyer.
Key Results of the 2024 Roadcheck
During the 2024 Roadcheck, over 59,000 inspections were conducted across North America. These inspections aimed to identify and remove unsafe vehicles and drivers from the roadways, helping to improve safety for all motorists. The results revealed several alarming trends:
- 23.6% of Inspected Vehicles Taken Out of Service: Out of the 59,429 inspections, more than 14,000 commercial vehicles were placed out of service due to violations. This significant percentage underscores the pressing need to ensure that trucks meet safety standards.
- 4.6% of Drivers Placed Out of Service: Nearly 2,800 drivers were found to have violations that warranted removing them from service, highlighting concerns about driver fitness and compliance with safety regulations.
Focus on Tractor Protection Systems
One of the primary areas of inspection this year was tractor protection systems, which play a critical role in maintaining braking capability in case of trailer detachment. A failure in these systems can lead to catastrophic accidents, especially on highways where trucks travel at high speeds. The CVSA highlighted this safety system as its vehicle emphasis this year to ensure that trucking companies and drivers are maintaining these vital components properly.
When tractor protection systems fail, truck drivers may lose control of their braking ability, putting everyone on the road at risk. A fully loaded commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, and any braking failure or trailer detachment at highway speeds can result in devastating collisions.
During the 2024 Roadcheck, 13.3% of vehicle out-of-service violations were related to brake systems. This number underscores the importance of ongoing inspections and maintenance of tractor protection systems and the dangers posed by failing systems.
Focus on Alcohol and Drug Use Among Truck Drivers
For its driver emphasis this year, the 2024 Roadcheck focused on alcohol and drug use by truck drivers. Operating a commercial motor vehicle requires full concentration and alertness, and impairment due to drugs or alcohol significantly increases the likelihood of accidents.
The CVSA conducted 46,776 Level I Inspections, which included alcohol and drug checks. While these inspections are essential for ensuring the safety of all drivers on the road, they also revealed a troubling statistic. One hundred forty-seven drug and alcohol violations were detected, reinforcing the need for ongoing efforts to combat impaired driving among truck drivers. These violations pose a severe threat to road safety, as impaired truck drivers are more likely to cause catastrophic accidents involving smaller passenger vehicles. Whether you think 147 violations is a small or large number, remember that only a fraction of commercial drivers on the road were tested, and this testing occurred only over a brief three-day period.
Importance of Strict Enforcement and Accountability
The results of the 2024 Roadcheck indicate that there is still a long way to go when it comes to ensuring that truck drivers and their vehicles meet the necessary safety standards. With nearly one in four vehicles inspected being placed out of service, the risks posed by unsafe commercial vehicles remain significant.
For residents of Orange County and the Hudson Valley, this issue hits close to home. The presence of large trucks on major highways like I-87 and I-84 means that any failure in tractor protection systems or impaired driving can result in devastating accidents. Victims of trucking accidents often suffer severe injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and even fatalities. These types of accidents require diligent legal representation to hold the responsible parties accountable and seek fair compensation for the injured.
Legal Representation for Trucking Accident Victims in the Hudson Valley
At Dupée & Monroe, P.C., we are dedicated to representing victims of trucking accidents throughout Orange County and the Hudson Valley. Our team understands the unique complexities involved in trucking accident cases, including the need to investigate safety violations such as those highlighted in the 2024 Roadcheck.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Trucking companies and their drivers must be held accountable when their negligence endangers the lives of others on the road. Our experienced attorneys are ready to advocate on your behalf and fight for the justice you deserve.
Contact Dupée & Monroe, P.C., After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Goshen
For victims of trucking accidents, understanding the cause of the crash and holding those responsible accountable is crucial for accident victims to obtain justice and compensation for the harm done to them, and for making the roads safer for everyone. Contact Dupée & Monroe, P.C. in Goshen today at 845-294-8900 for a free consultation to learn how we can help you seek justice after a trucking accident in Orange County or the Hudson Valley.
