The out-of-service rate for the annual Brake Safety Week in September was 16.2%, up from 13.5% in 2013, said the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance.
CVSA announced the 2014 inspection results Jan. 6, saying that in all, 13,305 vehicles were inspected between Sept. 7-13 with 2,162 put out of service for brake violations.
Local, state, provincial, territorial and federal motor carrier safety officials throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico conducted roadside inspections. They checked brake-system components to identify loose or missing parts, air or hydraulic fluid leaks, worn linings, pads, drums or rotors and also checked the malfunction indicator lamps for braking systems, CVSA said.
“Whether you are behind the wheel of a big rig, intercity bus or family car, safe and reliable brakes are fundamental to protecting everyone on our roads,” Scott Darling, acting administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, said in a statement.
“Each year, the Brake Safety Week inspection blitz reinforces that commercial drivers and companies are responsible for ensuring that their vehicles are well-maintained and in safe working condition at all times,” Darling said.
CVSA said that Brake Safety Week is part of its Operation Airbrake program, which it co-sponsors in partnership with FMCSA.
“The ultimate goal of Brake Safety Week is to reduce the number of highway crashes caused by faulty braking systems on commercial vehicles,” said CVSA President Capt. William Reese of the Idaho State Police.
“We strive to reach that goal by conducting roadside inspections and educating drivers, mechanics, motor carriers and others on the importance of proper brake inspection, maintenance and operation."
