In 2021, The Sheriff Highway Patrol estimates that of all the commercial vehicles that were stopped for an inspection, nearly 40 per cent of them failed and were taken out of service. This year, between May 17th till the 19th, sheriffs will conduct hundreds of additional inspections throughout the province to ensure commercial vehicles and their drivers are operating safely on Alberta’s highways.
Inspections include an examination of vehicle mechanical components, as well as checks of driver credentials and hours of service. Each year, Roadcheck places an emphasis on violations in a specific area. This year’s operation is focusing on wheel ends, which include the wheels, rims, hubs and tires of a commercial vehicle.
“I think that's why the important work of the sheriffs is highlighted in a campaign like this; showing how much work they are doing and making sure our highways are safe,” said Minister of Justice and Solicitor General, Tyler Shandro.
Minister Shandro, accompanied by sheriffs came to the Airdrie vehicle inspection station on Tuesday and said that the Alberta Sheriffs play a vital role in ensuring that commercial vehicles and their drivers comply with safety standards on our provincial highways. Though roadchecks are conducted year-round across the province, he said that this 72-hour campaign helps to re-focus the message of safety for all drivers on Alberta’s roads.
Roadcheck 2022 kicked off at the Airdrie vehicle inspection station (Photo by Anna Ferensowicz)The Inspector for the Sherrif’s Highway Patrol Southern Alberta, Jason Delaney said dozens of calls a day come in from Airdrie and area alerted law enforcement to potentially unsafe situations involving commercial vehicles.
“If you think of all the vehicles that are taken that are removed from the highway or if the drivers are fatigued or impaired, that's potentially a lifesaver. That’s at least one Albertan life saved,” he said.
The most common infractions that lead to failed inspections can range from cracked wheels, bald tires, and inoperable brakes, as well as driver-related issues including fatigue and drugs and/or alcohol. Delaney said fines can range in the thousands of dollars for the operators of commercial vehicles as well as a potential court appearance.
Roadcheck 2022 kicked off at the Airdrie vehicle inspection station (Photo by Anna Ferensowicz)“An event like [roadcheck 2022] is a great event to bring awareness and to remind the trucking community that we're here to keep an eye on this stuff, but it's also a great reminder for the public, that we are doing this,” Delaney said.
During Roadcheck 2021, the Sheriff Highway Patrol performed 457 vehicle inspections over a three-day span.
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