Eighty percent of trucks pass Roadcheck; Quebec most improved

OTTAWA, (June 19, 2002) — Eighty percent of commercial vehicles inspected during this year’s International Roadcheck blitz passed their tests, modestly improving over last year’s 21% out-of-service rate, the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators reported. The 20% out-of-service rate for 2002 is down 5% since 1999, when one out of every four trucks failed the inspection.

The international blitz is coordinated by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) and CCMTA member jurisdictions. Enforcement agencies in Canada, the United States and Mexico participate in the event by randomly selecting heavy trucks and subjecting them to stringent on-road inspections. As part of this year’s campaign, only trucks that did not display a valid CVSA inspection decal were inspected and reported on, a slight change over the reporting procedure used over the last few years.

Over the three days of the event, a total of 9,024 vehicles and drivers underwent full inspections for mechanical and driver fitness. Of those vehicles, 7,250 passed the inspection standards. An estimated 2.6% of drivers were placed out-of-service for log book or documentation problems, which is roughly equivalent to the 2001 figures. In total, 1,774 trucks and 235 drivers were placed out-of-service for various safety defects and violations.

An out-of-service condition can occur for infractions as simple as a rear signal light not working to the extreme of faulty steering or brakes. Other defects include wheels, tires, frame and load security. In many cases, drivers were able to make the necessary adjustments on site, be re-inspected, and then continue on their trip.

Of all the jurisdictions with more than 100 trucks inspected, Quebec showed the biggest improvement. Fifteen percent out 1866 trucks received an out-of-service violation, down from the 22% out-of-service rate last year. New Brunswick reported the largest gain with a 26% out-of-service rate, compared to 20% in 2001.

B.C.: 1714 trucks inspected, 20% out of service, 3.6% drivers out of service.

Alberta: 646 trucks inspected, 21% out of service, 3.2% drivers out of service.

Saskatchewan: 652 trucks inspected, 11% out of service, 1.7% drivers out of service.

Manitoba: 521 trucks inspected, 27% out of service, 1.3% of drivers out of service.

Ontario: 2860 trucks inspected, 23% out of service, 3.7% drivers out of service.

Quebec: 1866 trucks inspected, 15% out of service, 1.0% drivers out of service.

N.B. 140 trucks inspected, 26% out of service, 5.0% drivers out of service.

P.E.I.: 85 trucks inspected, 24% out of service, 1.2% drivers out of service.

Nova Scotia: 197 trucks inspected, 11% out of service, 0% drivers out of service.

Newfoundland: 225 trucks inspected, 27% out of service, 1.3% drivers out of service.

Yukon: 56 trucks inspected, 9% out of service, 0% drivers out of service.

NWT: 62 trucks inspected, 10% out of service, 0% drivers out of service.