In a recent initiative, inspectors across 47 jurisdictions in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico conducted a total of 4,898 commercial motor vehicle inspections. These inspections were part of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) annual brake-safety inspection and enforcement event. The CVSA’s Brake Safety Day is an unannounced event where inspectors focus on brake systems during routine roadside inspections. This effort is part of Operation Airbrake, a program dedicated to improving commercial motor vehicle brake safety throughout North America and reducing the likelihood of truck accidents.
This year's Brake Safety Day saw participation from 37 U.S. jurisdictions, where inspectors performed 3,859 Level I, IV, and V inspections. As a result, 448 commercial motor vehicles were placed out of service due to brake-related violations. This reflects an 11.6% out-of-service rate. Inspectors also found brake lining or pad violations in 74 power units and 46 towed units.
What did the brake safety inspections find?
The data from Brake Safety Day revealed that 570 (11.6%) of the vehicles inspected had critical brake-related violations. This required immediate removal from the road until repairs could be made. Additionally, 330 commercial motor vehicles were found with 20% or more of their service brakes in an out-of-service condition. This was the most common violation and accounted for 57.9% of all brake-related out-of-service violations.
Inspectors identified other brake issues in 256 (44.9%) of the vehicles inspected. These violations included problems such as:
- Worn brake lines or hoses
- Broken brake drums
- Inoperative low-air warning devices
- Various fluid leaks
Moreover, 73 commercial motor vehicles had steering-related brake violations, which made up 12.8% of all brake-related out-of-service violations.
A significant focus of this year’s inspections was on the health and safety of brake linings and pads. These are key components to a vehicle’s braking performance and can impact a motor carrier’s safety rating if found defective. Inspectors discovered 108 power units and 66 towed units with lining or pad violations. Contamination was the leading issue among the 114 brake lining/pad violations on power units, while cracks and voids were the most common issues found in the 71 violations on towed units.
Nine U.S. jurisdictions utilized performance-based brake testers (PBBT) during Brake Safety Day. A PBBT is a device that measures a vehicle's braking efficiency, with a minimum required standard of 43.5% efficiency as per U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSA) and CVSA criteria. Out of 88 PBBT inspections conducted, four vehicles (4.5%) failed to meet this standard and were taken out of service.
Why are brake safety inspections necessary?
Brake safety on large commercial trucks is important because these vehicles often carry heavy loads. They also require longer stopping distances compared to smaller vehicles. Properly functioning brakes are key to preventing serious and catastrophic truck accidents, particularly in high-traffic areas or on steep grades.
Truck accidents caused by brake failure can happen unexpectedly, due to defective brakes, brake imbalances, faulty suspension, brake corrosion, broken brake drums, and overloaded trucks. Plus, trucking companies must adhere to the FMCSA's brake safety regulations. Failure to do so can lead to:
- Sudden inability to stop
- Loss of control on downhill slopes
- Inadequate braking distance
- Jackknifing
- Runaway truck accidents
Our Oklahoma attorneys can help you fight back
A truck accident in Oklahoma can happen in the blink of an eye and leave you with months (and possibly years) of medical bills, lost income, and a long road to recovery. Additionally, you're up against a trucking company and its insurer. Without legal help, the odds are in their favor. The experienced truck accident attorneys at Lawter & Associates can help you level the playing field.
Our legal team has been fighting for victims of truck accidents in Oklahoma for over 40 years. We know what it takes to hold negligent truck drivers, trucking companies, and other parties accountable. We will thoroughly investigate your case, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, take your case to court to ensure you receive maximum compensation. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers. With law offices in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, we serve injured motorists and their families throughout Oklahoma.
"I have been very satisfied with all of the staff that worked on my case. I think they have been very pleasant to work with. They were very knowledgeable and professional. I would gladly recommend your law firm to my friends and family."
- James
Elk City, OK