Upcoming Brake Safety Week 2024: What Truck Drivers and Motor Carriers Need to Know

Attention all truck drivers and motor carriers: Mark your calendars for the upcoming Brake Safety Week, which will be taking place from August 25th through August 31st, 2024. This important annual event is part of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) ongoing efforts to ensure that commercial vehicles operate safely on the roads by focusing on one of the most critical safety components—your brakes.

What Is Brake Safety Week?

Brake Safety Week is a key initiative where inspectors across North America will conduct roadside inspections specifically focused on brake systems. These inspections aim to identify and remove vehicles with critical brake violations from the road, ensuring that all commercial vehicles meet the required safety standards. For this week, brake system examinations are prioritized, but inspectors will also be looking at other critical safety components.

What to Expect During Brake Safety Week

During this week, expect an increased presence of inspectors on the roads, particularly at weigh stations, roadside inspection sites, and other areas where commercial vehicles are commonly checked. The primary focus will be on:

• Brake System Inspections: Inspectors will look for missing, non-functioning, loose, contaminated, or cracked parts in the brake systems. They will also check for leaks and ensure the brake pads, drums, rotors, and air reservoirs are in good condition.
• Performance Testing: The performance of your brakes will be tested to ensure they can bring the vehicle to a safe and complete stop within required distances.
• Overall Vehicle Inspection: While the main focus is on brakes, inspectors may also look at other aspects of the vehicle’s safety systems, such as tires, lights, and cargo securement.

Why This Matters

Brake systems are a vital part of your vehicle’s overall safety. Properly functioning brakes are essential not just for your safety but for the safety of everyone on the road. Past Brake Safety Weeks have shown that a significant percentage of vehicles inspected have brake-related violations, many of which are severe enough to place the vehicle out of service.

How to Prepare

To ensure that your vehicle is ready for inspection, it’s crucial to perform thorough pre-trip and post-trip inspections, with a specific focus on the brake system. Check all components, and if you identify any issues, address them immediately. Also, make sure to keep up with regular maintenance schedules to avoid unexpected problems.

Brake Safety Week is not just about passing an inspection; it’s about making sure that your vehicle is safe and roadworthy. By being proactive, you can avoid costly violations and contribute to safer highways for everyone.

Stay safe, and keep your brakes in top condition!