Annual initiative emphasizes crucial brake system inspections and driver education across North America.
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has scheduled its annual Brake Safety Week for August 24-30. During this week-long campaign, law enforcement personnel across Canada, Mexico, and the United States will conduct comprehensive inspections of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). The primary goals are to underscore the critical importance of brake safety, educate drivers and motor carriers, and gather vital data on brake inspections and violations.
Key Highlights:
- Event Dates: August 24-30
- Focus: Commercial motor vehicle brake systems and components.
- Special Emphasis: This year, a particular focus will be placed on brake drums and rotors.
- Participants: CVSA-certified inspectors in Canada, Mexico, and the U.S.
- Outcome: Vehicles with brake-related out-of-service violations will be removed from roadways.
- Data Collection: Inspection data will be reported to CVSA for analysis and public release.
Throughout Brake Safety Week, CVSA-certified inspectors will perform routine CMV inspections with a keen eye on brake systems. A significant aspect of this year’s initiative is the emphasis on drums and rotors. According to CVSA, issues with these components can severely impact a vehicle’s braking efficiency. Furthermore, damaged or broken pieces from drums and rotors can become dislodged while a vehicle is in transit, potentially causing damage to other vehicles or leading to injuries or fatalities among the motoring public.
Commercial motor vehicles identified with brake-related out-of-service violations, or any other critical out-of-service infractions, will be immediately removed from service until the necessary corrections are made. This stringent enforcement underscores the commitment to ensuring only mechanically sound and safe vehicles operate on North American roadways.
A crucial component of Brake Safety Week involves the meticulous collection and reporting of data. Inspectors will capture detailed information regarding CMV inspections, the condition of brake systems and components, and any brake-related violations discovered. Some jurisdictions will also utilize performance-based brake testers (PBBTs) to assess vehicle braking performance, submitting this specific data to the Alliance. CVSA will then compile and analyze all collected data, with the results being made public later in the year.
Beyond inspections and data collection, educational outreach is a cornerstone of the Brake Safety Week campaign. Inspectors, motor carriers, and other industry stakeholders actively participate in disseminating information and promoting best practices. CVSA also provides a range of resources designed to help drivers, motor carriers, owner-operators, and mechanics prepare for the week-long safety blitz.
The overarching mission of Brake Safety Week is to enhance commercial motor vehicle brake safety across North America. By conducting thorough roadside inspections and educating all parties involved – from drivers and mechanics to large and small fleet motor carriers and owner-operators – the initiative strives to eliminate roadway crashes attributable to brake system failures. Proper brake inspection, diligent maintenance, and correct operation are paramount to achieving this goal.
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