An unannounced brake safety enforcement event conducted across North America put 21% of commercial vehicles out of service for vehicle violations.
More than 9,500 large trucks and buses were inspected for Brake Safety Day to identify out-of-adjustment brakes, and brake-system and antilock braking system (ABS) violations as part of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) Operation Airbrake Program.
“Brake Safety Day aims to improve commercial motor vehicle brake safety awareness throughout North America,” stated the CVSA. “Brake-related violations comprise the largest percentage of all out-of-service violations cited during roadside inspections. Improperly installed or poorly maintained brake systems can reduce the braking capability and increase stopping distances of trucks and buses, which pose a serious risk to driver and public safety.”
A total of 43 jurisdictions participated – 33 U.S. states and 10 Canadian provinces/territories. The U.S. conducted 8,140 commercial motor vehicle inspections; Canada conducted 1,384.
- 79% of the vehicles inspected did not have any critical item vehicle violations.
- 21% (1,989) of all inspections conducted resulted in a vehicle being placed out of service for vehicle violations of any kind.
- 12% (1,146) of all inspections conducted resulted in a vehicle being placed out of service for brake-related violations.
The event also sought to evaluate how well ABS are maintained in accordance with federal regulations. It found that 15% of the trailers stopped during the event had inadequately maintained ABS and received violations. Additionally, 8% of air-brake trucks and tractors received violations.
Brake Safety Day is part of the Operation Airbrake Program sponsored by CVSA in partnership with the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
