During the annual “Brake Safety Day,” inspectors in 47 areas across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico checked nearly 5,000 vehicles in one day. This event is part of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) efforts to ensure commercial vehicles are safe on the road, focusing specifically on brake systems. The inspections are unannounced each spring, and the exact date was kept secret this year. However, it was later revealed that the event took place on April 19, 2023.
Out of the 4,898 vehicles inspected, 4,328 (or 88.4%) had no serious brake issues and passed the inspection. Unfortunately, 570 vehicles (11.6%) had major brake problems that required them to be taken off the road immediately until repairs could be made.
Inspectors found that 330 of these vehicles had 20% or more of their brakes in poor condition, which was the most common serious violation, making up 57.9% of the major brake issues. Other brake problems were found in 256 vehicles, including worn brake lines, broken brake drums, and faulty warning devices for low air pressure.
Seventy-three vehicles had brake problems that also affected their steering, accounting for 12.8% of the serious brake issues.
This year, the focus was on the health and safety of brake linings and pads, which will also be the focus of the upcoming Brake Safety Week. Problems with brake linings and pads can lead to violations and impact a motor carrier’s safety rating. Inspectors found 108 trucks and 66 trailers with issues in this area. There were 114 total violations related to brake linings and pads on power units, with the most common issue being contamination, which accounted for 48 violations. On trailers, there were 71 violations, with 23 due to cracks or voids in the linings and pads, the most common issue in this category.
Additionally, nine U.S. jurisdictions used performance-based brake testers (PBBT) during the inspections. Out of 88 tests conducted, only four vehicles (4.5%) failed to meet the minimum braking efficiency standard of 43.5% and were taken out of service.
Overall, Brake Safety Day is a crucial event that helps ensure the safety of commercial vehicles on the road by identifying and addressing brake issues promptly. The data collected from these inspections helps improve safety standards and reduce the risk of accidents caused by brake failures.
