This week is CVSA’s Brake Safety Week and it’s important to encourage your customers to ensure that their brakes are working correctly. Brake Safety Week is a critical reminder of the importance of vehicle safety and the role that properly functioning brakes play in preventing accidents. Whether you’re a fleet operator or owner-operator driver, understanding the significance of this week can impact both your safety and the safety of others.
What is Brake Safety Week?
Brake Safety Week, spearheaded by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), is an annual event that focuses on inspecting commercial motor vehicles for brake-related issues. In 2024, this event will see enforcement officers across North America conducting inspections to ensure that commercial vehicles are operating with safe and effective braking systems. The goal is to reduce the number of accidents caused by brake failures and to educate drivers and operators about the importance of regular brake maintenance.
Why Brake Safety Matters
Brakes are one of the most critical components of any vehicle, especially for large commercial trucks that can weigh tens of thousands of pounds. When brakes fail, the results can be catastrophic. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), brake-related issues are one of the top reasons for out-of-service violations during inspections and are a leading cause of crashes involving large trucks.
Properly functioning brakes can mean the difference between a safe stop and a deadly collision. Brake Safety Week highlights the importance of regular inspections and maintenance, aiming to reduce the risks associated with brake failure.
What Happened Last Year (2023)?
Last year during Brake Safety Week, inspectors in the US, Canada, and Mexico conducted 18,875 commercial vehicle inspections. Of those inspected, 12.6% of them had violations and were removed from service. That means that 1 out of every 8 commercial vehicles were pulled out of service! Violations included loose air tanks, broken brake drums, spring brake housing corrosion, inoperative tractor protection valves, among many others. Service brake violations, like cracked linings, brake adjustments or loose brake chambers, may combine to put the combination of vehicles out of service under the 20% brake criterion, which states that a vehicle is out of service if the number of defective brakes is equal to or greater than 20% of the service brakes on the vehicle or combination. Certain service brake violations are automatically placed out of service when found on the steering axle.
Of the 2,375 commercial motor vehicles that were placed out of service, 295 (12.4%) had steering axle brake violations, 1,127 (47.5%) had significant stand-alone brake violations and 1,394 (58.7%) failed the 20% defective brakes criterion.
Just like this year, in 2023, the focus was on friction violations and according to the CVSA, the break out friction violations was as follows:
| % of Violations | |
| Contaminated | 40.03% |
| Cracks/Voids | 28.74% |
| Loose/Missing | 10.70% |
| Worn | 20.53% |
The Impact on Owner-Operators and Fleet Operators
For owner-operators and fleet operators, Brake Safety Week is a crucial reminder to prioritize brake maintenance. Failing to do so can result in significant consequences, including fines, vehicle downtime, and, most importantly, the potential for serious accidents. By staying proactive and ensuring that your vehicles meet safety standards, you not only avoid these pitfalls but also contribute to a safer road environment for everyone.
How to Prepare for Brake Safety Week 2024
- Conduct Regular Inspections: Make sure your vehicles undergo regular brake inspections and maintenance checks. Address any issues immediately to prevent them from becoming more significant problems.
- Stay Informed: Familiarize yourself with the latest regulations and best practices related to brake safety. Keeping up with industry standards can help you stay compliant and avoid costly violations.
- Educate Your Team: If you operate a fleet, ensure that all drivers and maintenance staff are aware of the importance of brake safety. Provide training and resources to help them recognize and address potential issues.
- Utilize Technology: Consider investing in advanced brake monitoring systems that can alert you to potential problems before they lead to failure. Technology can be a valuable tool in maintaining the safety and efficiency of your fleet.
Don’t wait for an inspection to reveal issues—start prioritizing brake safety today.
