CVSA International Roadcheck Enforcement Efforts - Statewide

State Police Director Christopher Wagner announces enforcement efforts of New Hampshire State Troopers during the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance's (CVSA) International Roadcheck. The event is an annual 72 hour enforcement initiative where commercial motor vehicle inspectors throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico check large trucks and motorcoaches at inspection sites, weigh stations, strategic locations, and roving patrols. The State Police is pleased to announce that there were no fatal motor vehicles crashes involving commercial motor vehicles during this period.

Beginning Tuesday, June 4, 2019 through Thursday, June 6, 2019 members of New Hampshire State Police – Troop G conducted commercial motor vehicle inspections throughout the State of New Hampshire to ensure safe operation of larger vehicles and reduce motor vehicle collisions. Members of Troop G are highly skilled Troopers who have received specialized training to conduct roadside inspections of commercial motor vehicles.

During the 72 hour event, Troopers inspected a total of 528 commercial motor vehicles. Troopers issued 61 CVSA decals to commercial motor vehicles that passed a Level I inspection where no critical violations were found according to the North American Standard Out-of- Service Criteria. Troopers also discovered 1,205 violations, of which 215 were so severe that they created a condition where the vehicle or its driver was placed out of service. In total, 106 vehicles were placed out of service for critical safety violations, while 30 drivers were placed out of service for violations including possessing drugs, operating after suspension, violating restrictions of driving hours, and not holding the proper class of driver's license. Troopers issued 84 citations and made one arrest as a result of commercial motor vehicle inspections.

In Windham, Trooper First Class Derek Holston stopped a 2002 Ford box truck. The vehicle was found to have numerous defects, including a broken leaf spring in the suspension that was supported by 4 inch by 4 inch lumber that was secured to the vehicle with electrical cords and zip ties. The lumber was making contact with the vehicle's tire, which was flat. Also during the inspection, TFC Holston observed inoperative turn signals, an inoperative parking brake, rotted sections of the frame, and 10 of the 14 cross member supports for the cargo box were defective or missing. During a separate stop in Windham, TFC Holston inspected a 2014 Isuzu box truck. During that inspection, TFC Holston located prohibited drugs in the vehicle and ultimately arrested the driver on an outstanding arrest warrant.

Also in Windham, Staff Sergeant William Burke stopped a 2000 Mack tractor trailer combination. During the inspection Staff Sergeant Burke discovered that pitman arm, which connects the steering box to other steering components, was making contact with the left front tire when the steering wheel was turned to the right. Additionally, he found three brakes that were not adjusted correctly, rust holes in the cross member supports of the trailer, and the roll off container was not properly secured to the trailer.

In Rochester, Trooper David Skelly stopped a 2002 International truck and found brakes that were contaminated with oil from a leaking wheel hub. Additionally, he found that that a castle nut connecting steering components was missing a cotter pin and had been replaced with a bent nail.

In Hooksett, Trooper Kevin Raymond stopped a 1990 International truck that had numerous violations. During the course of the inspection Trooper Raymond observed that the brake pads were so worn that the brakes were smoking. Also during the course of the inspection, Trooper Raymond found three of the four brakes were out of adjustment, the pitman arm was loose and not securely attached to the steering box, as well as multiple broken leaf springs on the steering axle.

In Sullivan, Sergeant Thomas Coty was alerted to an oversized load traveling through a prohibited construction zone by Troopers from New Hampshire State Police – Troop C. The driver failed to follow the route designated on their oversized load permit, which led to a traffic backup while the vehicle was turned around.

The New Hampshire State Police are committed to ensuring safe travel throughout the State and will continue our efforts to reduce collisions during the summer season.

The photos below were taken during the 72 hour event