CVSA Releases 2024 Brake Safety Week Results

The CVSA has published the results of its 2024 North American Brake Safety Week, held from August 25 to 31. During this event, certified inspectors across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico conducted inspections on 16,725 commercial vehicles. The initiative aims to improve road safety by identifying and addressing brake-related issues on commercial motor vehicles.

Key Findings from 2024 Brake Safety Week

This year’s inspection results indicate that 87% of the commercial vehicles examined passed safety standards. However, 2,149 vehicles, accounting for 12.8% of all inspections, were found to have brake-related violations that placed them out of service.

Out-of-service violations are determined by the North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria (OOSC), which identifies critical vehicle deficiencies. Vehicles with such violations are not allowed to travel further until all issues are resolved.

Breakdown of the Out-of-Service Violations

Of the 2,149 vehicles placed out of service:

• 63.1% had stand-alone brake violations.
• 10.1% had brake issues on the steering axle.
• 56.6% failed the 20% defective brakes criterion, which applies if defective brakes affect 20% or more of a vehicle’s service brakes.

Each vehicle could have multiple types of violations, underscoring the importance of regular brake maintenance.

Lining and Pad Violations in the Spotlight

This year, inspectors focused on brake lining and pad conditions, looking for loose, worn, cracked, or contaminated components. In total they found 654 brake lining and pad violations:

• 382 violations were found on power units (tractors).
• 272 violations were found on towed units (trailers).

Inspection Results by Country

United States

• Inspections: 14,692
• Brake-related out-of-service rate: 12.9%
• Lining/Pad Violations: 310 on power units, 172 on towed units

Canada

• Inspections: 1,926
• Brake-related out-of-service rate: 12.6%
• Lining/Pad Violations: 44 on power units, 49 on towed units

Mexico

• Inspections: 107
• Brake-related out-of-service rate: 5.6%
• Lining/Pad Violations: 1 on power units, 5 on towed units

The out-of-service rate in Mexico was notably lower compared to Canada and the U.S., showing some variation in brake safety compliance across the three countries.

Performance-Based Brake Testing

Eighteen states in the U.S. also used performance-based brake testers (PBBTs) during the week. These testers provide additional insights into brake system performance. Of the 452 inspections conducted using PBBTs, 26 vehicles failed, representing a 5.75% out-of-service rate for this testing method.

Promoting Safety Through Education and Inspection

The CVSA’s Brake Safety Week is part of its broader Operation Airbrake Program, designed to reduce accidents caused by faulty brakes. The program focuses on both enforcement through roadside inspections and education efforts targeted at drivers, mechanics, and fleet operators. Regular inspections and proper maintenance of brake systems are critical for preventing accidents and ensuring the safety of commercial vehicles on the road.

Looking Ahead: Brake Safety Week 2025

The next Brake Safety Week is already scheduled to take place from August 24 to 30, 2025. As the CVSA continues its efforts to raise awareness about brake safety, drivers and fleet operators are encouraged to prioritize brake maintenance to reduce the likelihood of violations and ensure compliance with safety standards.

The results from this year’s Brake Safety Week underscore the importance of maintaining reliable brake systems on commercial vehicles. With over 2,000 vehicles taken out of service due to brake issues, the campaign serves as a reminder of the critical role brakes play in ensuring road safety.