CVSA Brake Safety Week

Enhancing Road Safety: CVSA Brake Safety Week

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) Brake Safety Week is an annual event dedicated to highlighting the significance of brake systems in commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). Taking place from August 20-26, this week-long campaign emphasizes brake lining and pad violations, aiming to enhance road safety by identifying and addressing brake-related out-of-service violations. This article will delve into the key aspects of Brake Safety Week, including inspection procedures, preparation, and the overall objective of the Operation Airbrake program.

Importance of Brake System Inspections

During Brake Safety Week, CVSA-certified inspectors play a vital role in conducting comprehensive inspections of CMV brake systems. The inspection process focuses on various components to ensure their optimal functionality and performance. By identifying any brake-related violations, inspectors take necessary action to address the issues and enforce corrective measures before allowing vehicles back on the road.

The brake portion of Level I and Level V Inspections encompasses several critical checks, including:

  1. Identification of missing, non-functioning, loose, or cracked brake system parts.
  2. Examination of contaminated, worn, cracked, or missing brake linings or pads.
  3. Verification of S-cam flipover.
  4. Auditory assessment of air leaks around brake components and lines.
  5. Confirmation of uniform slack adjuster length and consistency in air chamber sizes on each axle.
  6. Monitoring of air pressure maintenance within the range of 90-100 psi (620-690 kPa) and measuring pushrod travel.
  7. Inspection for non-manufactured holes, broken springs, and other defects in the spring brake housing section of the parking brake.
  8. Evaluation of brake system warning devices, such as the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) malfunction lamp(s) and low air-pressure warning devices.
  9. Assessment of tractor protection systems, including the feedback system on trailers.
  10. Confirmation of the operability of the breakaway system on trailers.

Preparing for Brake Safety Week

To ensure the success of Brake Safety Week, proactive steps must be taken by drivers and motor carriers. The CVSA emphasizes the importance of brake safety awareness, education, and outreach as integral elements of this campaign. By providing transparency regarding the inspection procedures, drivers and motor carriers are encouraged to take responsibility for maintaining safe and compliant commercial motor vehicles.

CVSA provides resources to assist in Brake Safety Week preparation, including:

  • CVSA’s vehicle inspection checklist: A detailed guide that outlines the brake portion of Level I and Level V Inspections.
  • 2023 Brake Safety Week flyer: A downloadable resource containing ten tips for maintaining healthy brake linings and pads.
  • Inspection procedures: Accessible information on the specific steps involved in brake system inspections.
  • Previous brake-safety campaign results: A valuable resource that offers insights into past initiatives, highlighting the importance of continuous improvement.
  • Latest inspection bulletins: Regularly updated bulletins providing crucial information to enhance the existing inspection program.

Operation Airbrake Program

Brake Safety Week is an integral part of CVSA’s Operation Airbrake Program. This program aims to reduce the occurrence of highway crashes caused by faulty braking systems in CMVs. By conducting roadside inspections and educating drivers, mechanics, owner-operators, and other stakeholders, Operation Airbrake emphasizes the significance of proper brake inspection, maintenance, and operation.

Conclusion

The CVSA Brake Safety Week, scheduled for August 20-26, serves as a critical reminder of the importance of brake system inspections and maintenance in commercial motor vehicles. By identifying and addressing brake-related violations, this initiative significantly enhances road safety. Through proactive measures, education, and outreach, drivers and motor carriers can contribute to a safer transportation industry. The Operation Airbrake Program reinforces the commitment to reducing highway crashes caused by faulty braking systems, promoting a culture of safety and compliance in the commercial vehicle sector.

For more information and articles from the trucking industry, follow us on Facebook or subscribe to our Truck Driver News newsletter.

STAFF CONTRIBUTIONS

ADDITIONAL NEWS

Go toTop