Every year, vehicle inspectors in Connecticut and across the country focus on trucking safety as part of the Roadcheck inspection program. The 72-hour inspection blitz, which is organized by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, often focuses on different aspects of commercial vehicle maintenance and safety on the roads. These inspection blitzes aim to identify and address safety issues that could lead to dangerous or even deadly trucking accidents. The 2019 International Roadcheck will center on steering and suspension systems found in large trucks.

According to the CVSA, steering and suspension are vital for maintaining control of a truck during acceleration or braking. In addition, these systems help to maintain tire alignment and avert tire failure. This means that a well-maintained steering or suspension system can help prevent a catastrophic truck crash.

During the three-day inspection program, inspectors will mostly conduct Level I reviews. These are the most thorough types of inspections. In addition to looking at steering and suspension systems, the inspections will involve checking brakes, lights, cargo security, tires and other equipment. The truck drivers will also need to show their logs, medical certificates and valid commercial driver's licenses.

For the International Roadcheck, around 17 large trucks and buses are examined each minute. During the 2018 event, almost 12,000 trucks and 2,600 drivers were ordered off the road due to unsafe conditions. The three most common citations for vehicles involved brakes, brake adjustments and tires/wheels.

Trucking accidents can be especially dangerous due to the size and weight of the vehicles involved. In some cases, these crashes are caused by poorly maintained trucks that are unable to be safely operated. Someone injured in a truck crash through no fault of their own can work with a personal injury lawyer to pursue compensation for damages, including medical bills and lost wages.