National Brake Safety Week: A Critical Initiative For Road Safety

What is National Brake Safety Week?

National Brake Safety Week is an annual initiative dedicated to the education, inspection, and maintenance of brake systems in commercial motor vehicles. Implemented by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), this vital week aims to enhance road and driver safety by ensuring brakes are in optimal working condition. This year’s Brake Safety Week will take place from August 25-31. During this week, inspectors across North America will examine commercial vehicle brake systems, checking for compliance with regulatory standards and issuing violations for those with identifiable safety issues.

Why is National Brake Safety Week Important?

Vehicle brakes are one of the most crucial components of vehicle safety, especially in heavy commercial vehicles. Properly functioning brakes are essential for preventing vehicle malfunctions, accidents, and ensuring safety for drivers on the road. In 2023, the CVSA inspected nearly 7,000 commercial vehicles across North America. Of those inspected, 773 vehicles were classified as unfit for roadways, resulting in OOS violations. National Brake Safety Week highlights the importance of brake maintenance and care and aims to reduce the number of brake-related incidents on the road.

Key Areas of Focus

During this week, commercial vehicle inspectors will focus on brake pads and linings. In areas of specific jurisdiction, specific performance-based brake tests will be issued to test the status of a vehicle's brakes. In addition, the CVSA states that if more than 20% of a vehicle's brakes/chambers fail to meet requirements, an OOS violation will be issued. During this week, three primary areas of focus will include:

• Inspection & Compliance: As noted, inspectors will perform detailed brake system checks. Such inspections will look for issues such as damaged rotors, worn-out pads, and air leaks. Vehicles failing to meet inspection standards will receive a violation and may be placed out of service until proper repairs are completed.
• Safety Standards: Ensuring all commercial vehicles meet adequate safety standards set by the CVSA and regulatory bodies is the primary goal. These safety standards and inspections not only improve individual vehicle safety but contribute to overall road safety.
• Education & Awareness: Beyond safety inspections, this week focuses on the education of proper brake maintenance. Fleet managers, drivers, and mechanics are encouraged to learn more about brake health and the potential hazards of neglecting brake issues.

How to Participate

Whether you are an active commercial vehicle driver or an everyday driver, there are numerous ways for everyone to participate in this week of education and safety compliance.

• For Fleet Managers: Schedule routine brake maintenance checks and educate drivers on the importance and prevalence of brake safety.
• For Drivers: Routinely check your brakes, report any issues big or small to fleet managers, and ensure that your vehicle stays up to date with proper inspections.
• For the Public: Continue to stay informed about road safety programs and initiatives and support policies that enhance the safety of commercial vehicles and drivers on the road.

Contributing To Road Safety Together

National Brake Safety Week is a crucial initiative that underscores the value of brake safety in saving lives and preventing accidents. By participating in this week, whether through maintenance, inspections, or general education, everyone can find a way to contribute to making our roads safer. It is important to remember that well-maintained brakes are not just a regulatory requirement but a lifesaving necessity. Here at Peach State Truck Centers, our service centers are well equipped to ensure your vehicle and brakes are running at their optimal condition. Schedule your next appointment today.