Brake Safety Week 2026
Bektas Trucking Service LLC
Driver Safety Training
August 23–29, 2026
Presented by
Safety Department
Bektas Trucking Service LLC
(Background Image: Professional tractor-trailer brake inspection)
Speaker Notes
Welcome everyone to our annual Brake Safety Week training. This training is designed to help every driver understand how to recognize brake defects before they become roadside violations, out-of-service conditions, or contribute to a crash.
SLIDE 2
Learning Objectives
At the end of this training you will be able to:
✅ Explain the purpose of Brake Safety Week
✅ Identify common brake defects
✅ Recognize brake drum and rotor damage
✅ Perform a better pre-trip inspection
✅ Report maintenance problems properly
✅ Reduce DOT violations
✅ Reduce CSA points
✅ Keep yourself and the public safe
Speaker Notes
Explain that Brake Safety Week is not about “passing DOT.”
It is about preventing crashes.
A driver who understands brakes will prevent breakdowns and expensive repairs.
SLIDE 3
What is Brake Safety Week?
Brake Safety Week is an annual commercial vehicle enforcement initiative conducted across North America.
During this event, certified inspectors perform roadside inspections focusing on brake system safety.
Objectives include:
• Improve highway safety
• Reduce brake-related crashes
• Remove unsafe vehicles from service
• Increase driver awareness
• Improve maintenance practices
Speaker Notes
Emphasize that inspectors do not create violations.
Violations already exist before the inspection.
Drivers can prevent most violations through proper inspections.
SLIDE 4
Why Brake Safety Matters
Brake problems can cause:
❌ Out-of-Service Orders
❌ CSA Violations
❌ Delivery Delays
❌ Expensive Repairs
❌ Increased Insurance Costs
❌ Serious Crashes
Remember:
A small brake problem today can become a major safety issue tomorrow.
Speaker Notes
Discuss the financial impact:
- Lost loads
- Towing
- Repairs
- Customer dissatisfaction
- Lost driving time
SLIDE 5
2026 Brake Safety Week Focus
Brake Drums
Brake Rotors
Inspectors will closely examine these components for signs of:
• Cracks
• Heat damage
• Excessive wear
• Deep scoring
• Structural damage
Drivers should identify these warning signs during daily inspections and report any concerns immediately.
Speaker Notes
Explain that brake drums and rotors often show visible signs of wear before they fail.
Drivers should never ignore unusual noises, vibration, or visible damage.
SLIDE 6
Understanding Your Brake System
Major Brake Components
• Air Compressor
• Governor
• Air Dryer
• Air Tanks
• Brake Chambers
• Slack Adjusters
• Push Rods
• Brake Shoes / Pads
• Brake Drums
• Brake Rotors
• Air Lines
• ABS Components
(Insert labeled air brake system diagram.)
Speaker Notes
Walk through the air brake system from the compressor to the brake drum/rotor so drivers understand how the system works together.
SLIDE 7
Driver Responsibilities
Every driver must inspect:
✅ Air Pressure
✅ Air Leaks
✅ Brake Chambers
✅ Slack Adjusters
✅ Push Rod Travel
✅ Brake Linings
✅ Brake Drums
✅ Brake Rotors
✅ Air Hoses
Drivers must report defects immediately and must not operate equipment they believe is unsafe.
Speaker Notes
Remind drivers that pre-trip and post-trip inspections are essential to safe operation.
SLIDE 8
Brake Drums
Inspect for:
✔ Cracks
✔ Heat checking
✔ Missing pieces
✔ Blue discoloration
✔ Oil contamination
✔ Excessive wear
Never operate a vehicle if you observe significant brake drum damage.
(Insert photos showing acceptable and damaged brake drums.)
Speaker Notes
Show examples of damaged drums and explain why even small defects can worsen under heavy braking.
SLIDE 9
Brake Rotors
Inspect for:
✔ Cracks
✔ Deep grooves
✔ Heat damage
✔ Uneven wear
✔ Excessive thickness loss
Any visible defect should be reported before the vehicle is operated.
(Insert photos comparing good and damaged rotors.)
Speaker Notes
Discuss how rotor damage can affect braking performance and lead to increased stopping distances.
SLIDE 10
Key Takeaways
Brake Safety Week begins before the inspection.
Professional drivers:
✔ Perform complete pre-trip inspections
✔ Report defects immediately
✔ Never ignore brake problems
✔ Work with maintenance to keep equipment safe
Safe brakes save lives.
Speaker Closing
“Your inspection starts long before the DOT officer arrives. Every pre-trip inspection is an opportunity to identify and report problems before they become violations or safety hazards. A professional driver protects their CDL, their company, and everyone on the road by taking brake inspections seriously every day.”