Stay informed with the LNN Daily Newsletter
(CHAT News Today)

Roadcheck program underway to ensure safety of commercial vehicle drivers

May 4, 2021 | 9:40 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Commercial vehicle safety is in focus for the next three days.

From May 4-6, officers from the Sheriff Highway Patrol will conduct hundreds of inspections across Alberta to ensure commercial vehicle operators can drive safe on provincial roads.

The Roadcheck program is an annual North America-wide operation conducted by the agencies that belong to the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance in Canada, the United States and Mexico.

Officers from organizations that take part share information with commercial vehicle drivers, check vehicles and drivers for compliance with federal and provincial regulations and collect inspection data for statistical analysis.

Inspections include examining the mechanical components of vehicles, driver credentials and hours of service.

Minister of Justice and Solicitor General Kaycee Madu said, “an important part of keeping Albertans safe is making sure our roads are safe and that vital goods and services reach their destination on time – something that has been more important than ever during the pandemic.”

“Ensuring commercial drivers and vehicles comply with safety standards saves lives, prevents collisions and protects Alberta’s highway infrastructure.”

Officers with Sheriff Highway Patrol interacting with the public while conducting front-line enforcement are following all safety protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The vehicle inspection procedure used most often, the North American Standard Level I inspection, includes 37 steps and examines critical components, like:

  • brake systems
  • cargo securement
  • driveline/driveshaft
  • exhaust systems
  • fuel systems
  • lighting devices
  • steering mechanisms
  • suspensions
  • tires
  • van and open-top trailer bodies
  • wheels, rims and hubs

During last year’s Roadcheck, 727 vehicle inspections were done over a three-day span.