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In a concerted effort to enhance road safety, a recent operation involving Alberta Sheriffs, the Calgary Police Service, and the provincial government led to rigorous inspections of commercial vehicles at the Airdrie inspection station, located north of Calgary. The initiative, which took place in early February, revealed significant compliance issues, with the majority of inspected vehicles failing to meet safety standards.
High Failure Rates in Inspections
During the inspections, Inspector BJ Bjornson from Alberta Sheriffs reported that only three of the 23 vehicles passed the qualification process. “We had 20 of the 23 vehicles not pass the actual inspection qualification process,” Bjornson stated. While five vehicles were able to undergo immediate repairs on-site, the remaining 15 had to be taken out of service until they could be safely removed, highlighting a concerning trend in vehicle maintenance and safety compliance.
Alberta Sheriffs oversee more than 40 inspection facilities and mobile stations across the province. On a daily basis, officers conduct around 40 commercial vehicle inspections, contributing to a staggering total of over 15,000 inspections annually. This rigorous oversight has resulted in more than 4,000 vehicles being taken off Alberta’s roads each year due to safety violations.
Two-Tiered Inspection Process
Bjornson explained that Alberta’s inspection regime consists of two distinct levels. The level one inspection, which was conducted during this operation, involves a preliminary external check followed by a thorough examination of critical vehicle components underneath. “On that specific day, we conducted a level one inspection where we do that preliminary inspection on the outside of the vehicle, but then we get underneath the vehicle and we start looking at the components,” he noted. This comprehensive approach aims to identify issues before they escalate into serious safety risks.
When deficiencies are detected, the focus is primarily on educating the drivers and operators. However, depending on the severity of the infraction, consequences can range from minor fines to lengthy seizures of vehicles. “Depending on what the infraction is, or the deviation or defect that we find, it could be anything from a fine that is nominal in nature, or it could be anything up to a long duration to have that vehicle seized,” Bjornson elaborated.
Industry Response and Compliance Challenges
Joseph Saoud, co-owner of Heavy Wrenching Diesel, underscored the financial ramifications for operators who neglect vehicle maintenance. “When the truck is not operating, they’re losing money. The guys who are set up for success are doing preventative maintenance rather than waiting for it to blow,” Saoud remarked. He emphasised the inherent dangers of poorly maintained vehicles, describing them as “killing machines if they’re not being paid attention to.”
Furthermore, Saoud highlighted the repercussions that repair shops could face if they fail to uphold safety standards. “If there’s any proof that a shop has recently looked at it, and allowed it to leave, or worse yet passed the safety inspection with that damage? They will come here and fine us, remove licensing,” he explained. This creates a strong incentive for both operators and repair shops to adhere to safety regulations.
Saoud also mentioned the existence of unscrupulous actors within the industry but praised the provincial authorities for their vigilance in addressing these problems before they escalate. “I don’t know how they get away with it, but they do. But they don’t last long; it’s just dangerous while they’re in operation, and DOT (Department of Transportation) does a pretty good job of finding them and catching them,” he stated.
Why it Matters
The implications of these findings extend beyond the immediate safety of commercial vehicles on Alberta roads. As the province continues to enforce stringent inspection protocols, the overall aim is to foster a culture of safety and accountability within the transport industry. By addressing compliance issues head-on and prioritising education alongside enforcement, authorities are not only protecting drivers and passengers but also promoting a more responsible approach to vehicle maintenance among operators. The ongoing efforts to improve safety standards are crucial in reducing accidents and enhancing public confidence in the transportation system.
