Brake Safety Week began as a way to identify vehicles with brake system violations to help reduce the number of brake related crashes on our roadways. In 2015, brake-related violations represented 43% of all out-of-service violations issued during the International Roadcheck campaign. Since its inception in 1998, over 3.4 million brakes have been inspected and more than 13,000 brake systems will be inspected this week through the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
What to Expect
During the week, DOT inspectors will be conducting primarily Level 1 inspections on trucks and buses throughout North America. They will be looking for out-of-adjustment brakes or brake system violations.
Inspections conducted during Brake Safety Week include inspection of the brake system components to identify loose or missing parts, air or hydraulic fluid leaks, worn linings, pads, drums or rotors, and other faulty brake system components. ABS malfunction indicator lamps are also checked. Inspectors will inspect brake components and measure pushrod stroke where applicable. Defective or out-of-adjustment brakes will result in the vehicle being placed out of service.
Improperly installed or poorly maintained brake systems can reduce the braking capacity and stopping distance of trucks and buses, which poses a serious risk to drivers and public safety. Len Dubois Trucking equipment is routinely checked to help ensure that our driver’s never head out on the road with unsafe equipment, but drivers must be prepared for maintenance issues that develop on the road.
A proper pre-trip inspection can help you avoid unnecessary breakdowns and fines while on the road and will ensure that the equipment you are driving remains safe to operate. For more information on brake safety, check out these helpful links produced by the CVSA:
