Commercial Vehicle Inspectors to Conduct Brake Checks Sept. 6-12

Commercial vehicle Inspectors beginning Sept. 6 will be out in force to conduct brake system inspections on trucks and buses throughout North America.

The inspections will be part of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s “Brake Safety Week” from Sept. 6 to Sept. 12.

Brake Safety Week is an annual outreach and enforcement campaign designed to improve commercial vehicle brake safety throughout North America.

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 driver and public safety, CVSA said.

Brake-related violations constituted 46.2% of all out-of-service violations cited during Roadcheck 2014.

Inspections are designed to identify loose or missing parts, air or hydraulic fluid leaks, worn linings, pads, drums or rotors, and other faulty brake-system components.

Antilock braking systems malfunction indicator lamps also are checked, and inspectors will inspect brake components and measure pushrod stroke when appropriate. Defective or out-of-adjustment brakes will result in the vehicle being placed out of service, CVSA said.

Last September, 13,305 vehicles were inspected during Brake Safety Week.