Following its annual three-day inspection blitz geared toward improving roadway safety in North Carolina and elsewhere around North America, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance reported that brake violations were the leading cause of vehicle out-of-service orders issued during the June 2016 Roadcheck event. Later, comparable results were reported during CVSA’s Brake Safety Week, which was held in September 2016.
During the latter event, 2,352 commercial trucks were removed from the roadway due to potentially critical brake violations. Although estimates regarding the total number of vehicles that were removed from service vary, brake violations appear to represent approximately half of all violations that resulted in out-of-service orders during the week.
Inspectors checked the brake system components of 18,057 trucks for brake violations from Sept. 11 through Sept. 17. During the inspections, commercial vehicle brake systems were under scrutiny for out-of-adjustment brakes; air or hydraulic fluid leaks; loose or missing parts; and worn, cracked or damaged pads, linings, drums or rotors. Inspectors also examined anti-lock braking system malfunction indicator lamps for compliance, according to CVSA authorities.
The president of the non-profit organization indicated that Brake Safety Week brings the importance of properly checked and maintained braking systems to the safety of everyone who uses the road into sharp focus. Brake inspections are already included in the Level 1 inspections that are conducted daily, and the targeted brake safety event provides additional opportunity for inspectors to remove commercial trucks that have deficient braking systems from the roadway.
Commercial truck accidents have the potential to cause catastrophic injuries to occupants of smaller vehicles. When the cause of such an accident is brake failure due to improper or negligent maintenance, an attorney could be of assistance to an injured victim in seeking compensation from the trucking company for the applicable losses.