In August, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Association held Brake Safety Week. This week was set to emphasize the importance of brake systems and enforce proper maintenance. Last year, the CVSA enforcement personnel inspected over 40,000 vehicles and put 12 percent of trucks out of service due to brake violations. All in all, this is a time to educate truck drivers about the importance of brake system safety and to reduce the number of crashes caused by faulty braking systems. 

 

Importance of Brake Safety

The dates of the Brake Safety Week are shared prior to the event so drivers can proactively check their vehicles, and in most cases, stay in compliance. However, some carriers and drivers still choose to neglect the proper maintenance. Those that choose not to service their vehicle, likely take their braking systems for granted. Your brakes are arguably the most important safety feature of your vehicle, but it’s also one of the most used and most complex. There are several components within the braking system that have to work together. As a result, it’s crucial to keep them all well-maintained so that you can stop quickly and safely. Having a well-maintained vehicle can make a difference in, quite frankly, a life or death situation. 

 

Brake System Statistics

On that note, here are some statistics on brake systems in the trucking industry:

  • Loaded tractor-trailers take nearly double the distance to stop compared to passenger vehicles. Cars need no more than 300 feet to stop after hitting the brakes, whereas, trailers need about 525 feet. 
  • In 2020, the top violation category in North America was brake systems, which accounted for 25 percent of all out of service violations during the International Roadcheck. 
  • A Department of Transportation study shows that 29 percent of all large truck crashes in the US involve brake failures, brakes out of adjustment, or other brake-related issues. 
  • Brake systems are the third most cited vehicle-related factor in commercial motor vehicle and passenger vehicle crashes. 

 

Brake Inspection

During the week, the inspectors conducted North American Standard Inspections with an emphasis on brakes. As they inspected, they reported data on brake hoses/tubes, which was a focus area for this year. Here are other areas they checked:

  • Air brake mechanical components
  • Steering axle air brake mechanical components
  • Brake adjustment
  • Air pressure to 90-100psi
  • Air brake abs system
  • Air loss rate
  • Low air pressure warning device
  • Tractor protection system

 

Closing Thoughts

Whether it’s braking systems or any other aspect of your vehicle, we prioritize safety and vehicle maintenance. Our drivers routinely get their vehicles serviced, and they can get their trucks in and out of the shop in a timely manner if they need a repair. Throughout the year we continuously educate and remind our drivers about the best driving practices and reward them for good performance. Drive safe!

For those looking for a safe and reliable liquid bulk carrier, choose Liquid Trucking. We can haul food, agriculture, and hazmat materials to the continental U.S. and Canada. To get a quote today, please call 844-GO-TANKS to learn more!