What you need to know for Brake Safety Week 2019
This year, Brake Safety Week is kicking off across the United States on Sep. 15 and will conclude on Sep. 21. Scheduled by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), enforcement officials will conduct roadside safety inspections on commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) across North America.
According to the CVSA, this year inspectors will pay close attention to brake hoses and tubing. They’ll be highlighting hoses and tubing as a reminder of their importance to vehicle mechanical fitness and safety.
Hoses and tubing are important cogs in the makeup of a CMV, as they can lead to an imbalance in the hydraulic brake system if they fail. Brake hoses are generally aggravated by the stress of driving in tough environments, which big rigs can be subject to.
The CVSA will also emphasize routine brake system inspections and component replacements, as they are considered vital to the safety of CMVs on the road.
“We all know how important a properly functioning brake system is to vehicle operation,” said CVSA President Chief Jay Thompson with the Arkansas Highway Police. “All components of the brake system must always be in proper operating condition. Brake systems and their parts and components must be routinely checked and carefully and consistently maintained to ensure the health and safety of the overall vehicle.”
According to the CVSA, out-of-adjustment brakes and brake-system violations made up 45 percent of all out-of-service vehicle violations issued during the 2018 International Roadcheck campaign.
Ultimately, the goal of Brake Safety week is to reduce crashes caused or made more severe by faulty brake systems on CMVs, per the CVSA. With that said, the CVSA will also perform outreach and awareness efforts to educate drivers, motor carriers, mechanics, and owner-operators on the importance of properly maintaining their brake systems.
So what do you think about the upcoming Brake Safety Week? Are you and your vehicle prepared for the inspection? Let us know in the comments or on social media!
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