Florida troopers inspected 550 trucks in one day as part of nationwide surprise brake blitz

This week, the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) inspected hundreds of trucks in a single day as part of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) annual unannounced one-day brake safety enforcement initiative.

On April 19, 2023, the FHP Office of Commercial Vehicle Enforcement (CVE) took part in a statewide unannounced brake check operation in support of the CVSA’s “Operation Airbrake” program, the agency announced.

During the single day effort, 550 commercial vehicles were subject to Level I inspections, including an examination of the vehicle’s brakes, tire pressure, load security, lights, logbook, and driver license. Trucks and drivers that did not meet inspection standards were placed out of service, FHP said.

“The men and women of the CVE unit dedicate themselves to preventing commercial vehicle crashes caused by equipment failure or damage,” said Chief Jeff Dixon, FHP Chief of Commercial Vehicle Enforcement. “One way to ensure fewer crashes is to proactively work with drivers to check that their vehicle is safe for travel.”

Each year, law enforcement agencies throughout North America take part in an unannounced one-day brake safety enforcement initiative as part of the CVSA’s Operation Airbrake program to identify brake system violations.

Also part of Operation Airbrake is Brake Safety Week, which is scheduled for August 20 — 26, 2023. During Brake Safety Week, commercial motor vehicle inspectors conduct brake system inspections (primarily Level IV Inspections) on large trucks and buses throughout North America to identify brake-system violations.

You can click here to learn more about planned CVSA inspection efforts in 2023.