Members of the Alberta Sheriffs Highway Patrol will participate in the three-day International Roadcheck campaign May 14-16, 2024. (File photo: Alberta Sheriffs)

By Justin Goulet

HIGHWAYS

Alberta commercial vehicle inspection campaign aims to improve road safety

May 14, 2024 | 10:02 AM

Road safety is at the forefront of an annual international campaign.

Members of the Alberta Sheriffs Highway Patrol are joining fellow law enforcement across North America for the International Roadcheck campaign.

The initiative runs Tuesday to Thursday and is organized by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance.

Over the next three days, officers will inspect hundreds of commercial vehicles and their drivers to make sure they are complying with federal and provincial regulations.

The campaign is carried out every year by certified inspectors from different enforcement agencies across Canada, the United States and Mexico. Inspections include an examination of the vehicle’s mechanical components, as well as checks on a driver’s credentials and hours of service.

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“Albertans have a right to feel safe and protected in their communities, no matter where they live,” said Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services Mike Ellis.

He adds that the inspections “will go a long way in enhancing road safety not just for commercial vehicles and the drivers who operate them, but for all Alberta road users”.

The Alberta Sheriffs first received authorization to investigate impaired driving and other criminal offences in late 2021.

There are over 30,000 kilometres of provincial highways in their jurisdiction.

Officials say participation in the International Roadcheck campaign has proven successful in the past. In 2023, 157 commercial vehicles were taken off roads due to non-compliance, driver fitness and out-of-service safety violations over the three-day program.

“The initiative is an immensely important one, and one that the Alberta Sheriffs are proud to participate in once again,” said Bob Andrews, acting chief of Alberta Sheriffs.

Officials say this year’s campaign will focus on inspecting tractor protection systems and anti-bleed back valves, as well as checking drivers for controlled substances and alcohol.