CVSA Brake Safety Week 2024: What You Need to Know

Brake Safety Week: What Truckers Should Know

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has announced the dates for this year’s Brake Safety Week. From August 25 to 31, 2024, trucks and other large vehicles across North America will be under extra scrutiny. The goal is to make sure their brakes are working properly, keeping everyone on the road safe.

What is Brake Safety Week?

Brake Safety Week is an event where inspectors focus on checking the brakes of commercial vehicles like trucks and buses. These inspections happen all over the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. If inspectors find that a vehicle’s brakes are not up to standard, the vehicle will be taken off the road until the problem is fixed.

Focus on Brake Linings and Pads

This year, the main focus of Brake Safety Week is on brake linings and pads. These are critical parts of a vehicle’s braking system. If they are worn out or damaged, it can be very dangerous. Here’s what inspectors will be looking for:

• Worn-out Linings: Brake linings that are too thin can reduce the vehicle’s ability to stop quickly.
• Cracked Linings: Cracks in the linings can lead to brake failure.
• Contaminated Linings: Linings that are dirty with oil or grease don’t work as well and could cause braking issues.
• Metal-to-Metal Contact: This happens when the brake lining is completely worn out, causing the metal of the brake pad to rub directly against the rotor or drum, leading to major damage.

In some areas, inspectors will use special machines called performance-based brake testers (PBBTs) to measure how well a vehicle’s brakes are working.

Why Brake Safety Week Matters

Brake problems are one of the most common reasons why trucks are taken off the road during inspections. In 2023, six of the top 20 vehicle violations were related to brakes. During last year’s International Roadcheck, 25.2% of all out-of-service violations were due to brake system issues.

The goal of Brake Safety Week is to make sure that trucks and buses have brakes that work well. By inspecting brakes and educating drivers and mechanics, the CVSA hopes to reduce accidents caused by brake failures.

Education and Outreach

Brake Safety Week isn’t just about inspections. It’s also a chance to educate drivers, mechanics, and trucking companies about brake safety. The CVSA provides helpful resources, like checklists and guides, to help everyone prepare:

• Driver Preparation: The CVSA has a checklist to help drivers and mechanics inspect brakes and identify potential problems before inspections.
• Informational Flyers: CVSA has shared tips for keeping brake linings and pads in good condition.
• Inspection Guides: Guides are available to help drivers understand what inspectors will be looking for during Brake Safety Week.

These resources are meant to help drivers avoid costly fines and keep their vehicles on the road.

Collecting Data

During Brake Safety Week, inspectors will gather data on brake inspections. This includes information about brake linings, pads, and PBBT test results. The CVSA will review this data and share the findings later in the year. This report will show how well brakes are being maintained across North America.

How to Prepare for Brake Safety Week

To get ready for Brake Safety Week, drivers and trucking companies should pay close attention to brake maintenance. Here are some simple steps to follow:

1. Check Your Brakes Regularly: Look at the brake linings and pads before and after each trip.
2. Measure the Shoe-to-Drum Clearance: Make sure there’s enough lining on the brake shoe and that the clearance is correct.
3. Fix Leaks Right Away: If you see any leaks, get them repaired immediately.
4. Follow the Manufacturer’s Guidelines: Always follow the brake manufacturer’s instructions when doing maintenance.

By taking these steps, drivers can help ensure their vehicles are ready for inspections and avoid being taken off the road.

Looking Ahead

Brake Safety Week 2024 is a key event for the trucking industry. It’s all about making sure that trucks and buses have brakes that work well, keeping the roads safe for everyone. With a focus on brake linings and pads, this year’s event highlights the importance of regular brake checks and maintenance. Drivers and trucking companies should use the resources provided by the CVSA to prepare for this important safety campaign and keep their vehicles running smoothly.