The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance has announced the results of the 2014 Brake Safety Week.
According to a press release from CVSA, CMV inspectors conducted 13,305 inspections on trucks and buses during Brake Safety Week, September 7-13, 2014.
During the week-long, annual campaign, state and local officials work together throughout Canada, the United States and Mexico to conduct roadside inspections. Inspectors are looking for out-of-adjustment brakes and brake-system violations, such as loose or missing parts, air or hydraulic fluid leaks, worn linings, pads, drums or rotors, and other faulty brake-system components. In addition, ABS malfunction indicator lights were also checked.
“The ultimate goal of Brake Safety Week is to reduce the number of highway crashes caused by faulty braking systems on commercial vehicles,” said CVSA President Capt. William Reese of the Idaho State Police. “We strive to reach that goal by conducting roadside inspections and educating drivers, mechanics, motor carriers and others on the importance of proper brake inspection, maintenance and operation.”
The results of are in- 2014 Brake Safety Week Results:
-13,305 CMVs and buses were inspected. 20,067 inspected in 2013)
–1,388 or 10.4 percent of vehicles were placed OOS for brake adjustment (9.0 in 2013, 9.4 percent in 2012, 8.4 percent in 2011)
– 1,244 or 9.3 percent of vehicles were placed OOS for brake components (7.1 percent in 2013, 7.8 percent in 2012, 7.9 percent in 2011)
– 1,658 or 16.2 percent of vehicles were placed OOS for brakes overall (13.5 percent in 2013, 15.3 percent in 2012, 14.2 percent in 2011)
Of the 13,305 vehicles that were inspected, 2,162 were placed out of service. The OOS rate rose from 13.5% in 2013 to 16.2% in 2014.
“Out-of-service rates for Canadian jurisdictions are historically lower than those in U.S. jurisdictions. This can be seen again this year with the OOS rates for: brake adjustment violations (10.8 percent in the U.S. versus 4.6 percent in Canada; 10.4 percent combined), brake component violations (9.5 percent in the U.S. versus 6.8 percent in Canada; 9.3 percent combined), and total brake violations (16.6 percent in the U.S. versus 11.0 percent in Canada; 16.2 percent combined),” the CVSA press release states.
“Whether you are behind the wheel of a big rig, intercity bus or family car, safe and reliable brakes are fundamental to protecting everyone on our roads,” said FMCSA Acting Administrator Scott Darling. “Each year, the Brake Safety Week inspection blitz reinforces that commercial drivers and companies are responsible for ensuring that their vehicles are well maintained and in safe working condition at all times.”
Brake Safety Week is a part of the CVSa’s Operation Airbrake program. The program is sponsored by the CVSA, in partnership with the FMCSA.