Inspectors across Canada, Mexico, and the United States completed 18,875 inspections on commercial motor vehicles during the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) Brake Safety Week. Between Aug. 20 and 26, the inspection focus and enforcement initiative was the brake systems and components of these vehicles.
Over 87% of inspected trucks were found to have no brake-related out-of-service violations.
Out of the total of 18,875 commercial motor vehicles inspected, 12.6% were taken out of service due to brake-related violations. These violations ranged from issues like broken brake drums, loose air tanks, corroded spring brake housing, and inoperative tractor protection valves. Service brake violations, such as cracked linings, brake adjustment problems, or loose chambers, could also result in vehicles being placed out of service under the 20% brake criterion. Steering axle brake violations were identified in 295 vehicles, stand-alone brake violations in 1,127 vehicles, and 1,394 vehicles failed the 20% defective brakes criterion.
This year’s Brake Safety Week specifically concentrated on lining/pad violations. Throughout the week, inspectors examined brake lining/pads for cracks, voids, and contamination while also checking for loose, missing, or worn lining/pads. Three hundred and seventy-nine power units and 261 towed units were found to have lining/pad violations.
Eleven states with performance-based brake testers (PBBT) participated in this year’s Brake Safety Week, utilizing their PBBTs to conduct inspections. Of the 397 PBBT inspections, 18 resulted in failures, representing a 4.5% out-of-service rate. Ninety-five vehicles passed the inspection with at least one wheel below the 43.5% braking efficiency threshold, as required by U.S. federal regulations and the North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria.
Brake Safety Week is part of CVSA’s Operation Airbrake Program, which is dedicated to enhancing the safety of commercial motor vehicle brake systems across North America. The goal is to reduce the number of accidents resulting from faulty brakes on these vehicles by conducting roadside inspections and educating drivers, mechanics, owner-operators, and others on the importance of proper brake inspection, maintenance, and operation.
The next Brake Safety Week is scheduled for Aug. 25-31, 2024.
Source: The Trucker
