The 17th annual International 72-hour Roadcheck starts today and will run through June 10 throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The kickoff event was held at 11 a.m. CDT Monday morning in West Memphis, AR, at an inspection facility on Interstate 40 WB — right across the Mississippi River from Memphis, TN.

OOIDA’s Director of Regulatory Affairs Rick Craig attended the kick-off event along with OOIDA General Vice President Woody Chambers and Paula Chambers, Eddyville, KY. Craig said that as always, this year’s activities will focus on commercial vehicle safety, seat belts and other driver safety programs, but include more attention to security measures, intermodal equipment and cargo tanks.

Last year, more than 9,000 truck and bus safety inspectors were on the job night and day at inspection sites along major highways and conducted almost 3 million roadside inspections.

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance sponsors the annual Roadcheck events, with participation by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators, Transport Canada, the Research and Special Programs Administration and the Secretariat of Communications and Transportation (Mexico).

CVSA is the leading commercial vehicle safety enforcement organization in North America. Its members include enforcement agencies and industry representatives in Canada, Mexico and the United States.