August marks the trucking industry’s observance of Brake Safety Awareness. The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) hosts Brake Safety Week from August 25-31, 2024. The initiative promotes motor vehicle brake safety inspection, enforcement, and education across North America. Brake systems and brake adjustments are the most cited violations during roadside inspections.
Professional truck drivers know how important a rig’s moving parts and stopping practices are. Bringing an 18-wheeler to a full stop in the fast-paced environment drivers experience requires skill and precision, and it’s impossible without the right equipment. Keeping your brakes in good condition is vital to the safety of truckers and all others on the road.
While brake safety enforcement may first appear to be a nuisance, it’s important to remember the serious environment in which truckers work. Truck accident statistics are disturbing. Nearly 5,000 people died in large-truck crashes in 2020. Trucking deaths have steadily increased over the past decade. Brake safety awareness plays a pivotal role in reversing that somber trend.
WHAT TRUCKERS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT CVSA BRAKE SAFETY WEEK
The focus of this year’s Brake Safety Week is on the condition of the brake lining and pad. Brake lining and pad issues may result in vehicle violations and could affect a motor carrier’s safety rating. The goal of this and other safety programs is to reduce the number of crashes, injuries, and fatalities that tragically occur on North American highways.
If violations are discovered related to critical braking components, vehicles could be placed out of service until corrective measures are taken. The CVSA emphasizes hoses and tubing as components that add to safety and braking fitness. Truckers who pass inspections may receive a CVSA sticker, a token showcasing truckers’ responsibility and preparedness for life on the road.
CVSA aims to highlight brake system violations found at roadside inspections. As mentioned, these infractions are the most common violation of any category. Trucks all over North America deal with this prolific issue. Therefore, CVSA has partnered with the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators, Mexico’s Ministry of Communications and Transportation, and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to promote brake safety awareness.
During the 2023 enforcement campaign, nearly 19,000 vehicles were inspected, with 12.6 percent removed from the roadways due to brake-related out-of-service violations. Some examples of brake-related out-of-service violations that automatically place the vehicle out of service include broken brake drums, loose air tanks, corroded holes in a spring brake housing, and inoperative tractor protection valves.
Of the 2,375 commercial motor vehicles that were placed out of service, the findings were as follows:
- 295 (12.4%) had steering axle brake violations
- 1,127 (47.5%) had stand-alone brake violations and
- 1,394 (58.7%) failed the 20% defective brakes criterion, which states that a vehicle is out of service if the number of defective brakes is equal to or greater than 20% of the service brakes on the vehicle or combination.
If violations are discovered related to critical braking components, vehicles could be placed out of service until corrective measures are taken. Truckers who pass inspections may receive a CVSA sticker, a token showcasing truckers’ responsibility and preparedness for life on the road.
THE BIG IMPACT OF BRAKE RECALLS
As described, brake issues are widespread throughout the industry. The effect is massive disruptions for trucking companies and their drivers.
In recent years, Daimler Truck North America recalled over 70,000 model-year 2021-2023 Freightliner and Western Star tractors. This follows an earlier recall of 218,000 vehicles where valve corrosion may cause brakes to pull to the affected side during automatic braking events. As a result, crashes are more likely to occur because of trucks’ increased stop time.
DTNA notified truck owners and dealers performed the repairs free of charge once trucks are recalled.
WOULD YOUR TRUCK PASS BRAKE SYSTEM INSPECTION?
To reiterate, braking deficiencies are the most common inspection violations. FMCSA’s Pocket Guide to Large Truck and Bus Statistics also found this to be true. Given the industry’s enhanced efforts to improve braking systems, it’s wise for professional CDL drivers to carefully inspect their own systems. The alternative might cause you to be sidelined. There are a few essential things truckers need to be aware of:
- Operation Airbrake: This program focuses on checking brake systems on all commercial vehicles. Trucks, buses, and all others. Professional CDL holders can expect increased Level IV brake inspections during the designated safety week from August 25-31, 2024.
- Educate Driving Teams: Freight-hauling trucking companies are advised to double their efforts to educate drivers about FMCSA regulations, as well as routine maintenance and inspection protocols. Consider handing out safety checklists and gather all the necessary paperwork to present to roadside inspectors.
- Common Problems: Inspectors are aware of the most common shortcomings in a commercial vehicle’s braking system. These include loose parts, missing components, leaking fluids, air leaks, worn-out pads, faulty rotors, and anti-lock brake indicator lights.
Interstate motor carriers, who employ upwards of 3.5 million truck drivers and a total of 10 million Americans, are generally diligent about safety measures. With that said, heightened awareness during brake safety month rightfully brings the issue to the forefront of peoples’ minds. Initiatives to improve driving safety are critical reminders designed to keep our roadways safe.
PRACTICE BRAKE SAFETY AWARENESS WHILE HAULING FREIGHT
Many things cause trucking accidents on America’s highways and roads. It’s no secret that aggressive non-professional motorists, drunk driving, and distracted driving are significant contributors. Professional truck drivers can’t fix the bad behavior and poor driving habits of others. But there are proactive measures we can take to keep America trucking, to keep transporting the goods and materials that maintain the greatest economy in the history of the world.
- Understand Speed-Distance Ratios: Truckers operating a big rig under 40 mph should generally calculate at least one second of stopping time, per your truck’s length, for every 10 feet between you and the vehicle ahead. When operating above 40 mph, that safe stopping distance usually increases by at least one more second. As your rate of speed increases, consider even wider safe distances whenever possible. Always err on the side of caution.
- Fully Loaded Rigs: When a tractor-trailer is at or near capacity, the safe stopping distance increases substantially. Under ideal road conditions, a freight-hauling vehicle requires nearly 400 feet of stopping distance while traveling at just 55 mph and more than 525 feet at 65 mph. To put that in perspective, that distance is almost the length of two football fields. Adverse road conditions make braking distances even greater.
August brings the opportunity to promote brake safety awareness for the trucking community. Operation Airbrake’s inspections are a great initiative to help avoid unnecessary crashes and consequently save lives. Promote brake safety awareness; use this reminder to review essential safety tips and think of brake safety week as your friend.
Authored By:
Tyson Williams
