Get Ready: Brake Safety Week Kicks Off August 25
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) Brake Safety Week inspection event is scheduled for August 25-31. This nationwide campaign focuses on both education and enforcement of brake inspection and maintenance procedures. Overdrive offers a variety of resources to help you prepare, including a round-up of brake-related and other maintenance coverage from the past few years. This year, a key focus is on brakes out of adjustment, a common violation that can put a truck out of service During last year’s Brake Safety Week, nearly 13% of the 18,875 vehicles inspected—totaling 2,375—were placed out of service for brake-related issues. Many violations are preventable through proper maintenance practices and regular equipment examination. Simply can’t overstate the importance of keeping up with maintenance and examination of the wheel ends and braking system. Brake Safety Week is part of Operation Airbrake, an outreach and enforcement campaign aimed at reducing crashes caused by faulty brake systems on commercial motor vehicles. Throughout the week, roadside inspectors will conduct North American Standard Inspections, checking for the following:- Missing, nonfunctioning, loose, or cracked parts
- S-cam flip-over
- Air leaks around brake components and lines
- Slack adjusters that are not the same length
- Mismatched air chamber sizes across axles
- Air pressure in the target range of 90-100 psi
- Holes caused by rust, rubbing, and friction
- Broken springs in the spring brake housing section of the parking brake
- Proper pushrod travel
- Warning device functionality
- Proper operation of the tractor protection system, including the bleed-back system on the trailer
- An operable breakaway system on the trailer
