Starting this upcoming weekend, on Sunday, 8/25/24, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, otherwise known as CVSA, will kick off their annual Brake Safety Week. This week of brake safety enforcement will run until the following Saturday, 8/31/24. The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance runs their enforcement week in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This week consists of a few different practices, all surrounding brake safety. The largest practice done this week by the CVSA involves commercial vehicle inspections of vehicles on the road. Overall, the week is done as a way to bring attention to routine brake maintenance and inspections in order to prevent accidents including commercial vehicles that stem from brake related issues.
This year, the Brake Safety Week will be focusing on brake linings and pads.
As they always do, the inspectors from the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance will be looking for any sort of violation or irregularity in the brake systems; however, they are taking a particular focus this year. As they focus on the brake linings and pads, they look to make sure these factors are compliant with the standards set in place on the federal level. It is important to note that the tests they conduct are random, so not all vehicles are going to be inspected as the week goes on. Nonetheless, as a truck driver, it is important to go into an inspection feeling confident that your vehicle will pass the inspection, should you be subject to one. If you go in with a vehicle you know will pass, you improve safety on the road as well as remove the risk of your vehicle being flagged and put out of service.
How can you prepare for a possible brake inspection?
There are a number of things you can do to be sure you and your vehicle are prepared for this week of random inspections. To start, confirm you have the proper brake lining and pads present on your vehicle. Once you confirm you have the necessary components, you will want to ensure all visible parts of the brake lining and pads look fine. If there is any missing lining or noticeable damage, we suggest getting this repaired as soon as possible to be safe.
Furthermore, check for any possible leaks or signs of leaks from the hub or other spots in which they could cause damage to the lining and/or pad surface. If you know the manufacturer of the brake lining and pads on your vehicle, check their guidelines and make sure the products are still within their proper codes. If you believe your vehicle would pass from your own self-inspection, you can head out on the road confidently and safely!
