The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has announced that this year’s Brake Safety Week will take place from August 25th to 31st, 2024. This annual event is a critical initiative aimed at enhancing road safety by focusing on brake systems, which are essential for the safe operation of commercial vehicles.

What is CVSA’s Brake Safety Week?

Brake Safety Week is part of the CVSA’s Operation Airbrake Program, a comprehensive effort to reduce the number of crashes caused by faulty brake systems on commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). During this week-long event, CVSA-certified inspectors across North America will conduct thousands of inspections on CMVs to ensure that brakes meet strict safety standards.

Why is Brake Safety Important?

Brakes are one of the most important components of any vehicle, especially for CMVs that transport heavy loads across long distances. A well-maintained brake system is crucial for ensuring that a vehicle can stop safely in various driving conditions. Faulty or poorly maintained brakes can lead to longer stopping distances, loss of control, and, ultimately, accidents. In fact, brake-related violations are consistently among the top reasons for CMV out-of-service orders.

What to Expect During Brake Safety Week 2024

During the 2024 Brake Safety Week, inspectors will be focusing on several key areas:

1. Brake Hose/Tubing: Inspectors will look for chafing, kinking, and other damage to brake hoses and tubing, which can lead to brake failure.

2. Brake System Components: This includes checking for missing or defective parts, air or hydraulic fluid leaks, and worn brake linings, pads, drums, or rotors.

3. Brake Adjustment: Proper brake adjustment is critical for effective braking. Inspectors will measure pushrod stroke to ensure brakes are within the acceptable range.

4. Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS): If a vehicle is equipped with ABS, inspectors will check that the system is functioning properly.

Preparing for Brake Safety Week

Fleet operators and drivers should take proactive steps to ensure their vehicles are ready for inspection. This includes:

• Regular Inspections: Conduct thorough pre-trip inspections with a focus on the brake system. Look for any signs of wear, damage, or air leaks.

• Maintenance: Address any issues immediately and ensure that all components meet manufacturer specifications. Routine maintenance is key to preventing brake-related issues.

• Education: Drivers should be educated about the importance of brake maintenance and how to identify potential problems before they become serious.

The Impact on Freight Capacity

While the primary goal of Brake Safety Week is to ensure road safety, the initiative also has significant implications for freight capacity. The thorough inspections can lead to a considerable number of out-of-service orders, temporarily removing trucks from the road. But that’s not the only factor affecting capacity.

Many commercial operators opt to stay off the road during Brake Safety Week rather than risk fines from potential violations. These drivers frequently choose to forgo a week’s worth of work instead of facing the financial penalties that might result from a failed brake inspection or other violations.

Regardless of the rationale, fewer trucks on the road translate into limited available options to haul freight. This reduction in capacity can have several consequences:

• Higher Costs: With fewer trucks available, shippers may face higher costs when booking orders as the demand for available carriers increases.

• Increased Transit Times: Limited capacity can also lead to delays, with customers potentially seeing longer transit times for their orders.

• Potential Service Failures: The reduced number of trucks could increase the likelihood of service failures, particularly in time-sensitive deliveries.

Conclusion

CVSA’s Brake Safety Week is a vital effort to ensure that commercial vehicles on the road are operating safely. While the initiative is crucial for reducing accidents caused by brake failures, it also impacts freight capacity, leading to tighter supply, higher costs, and possible delays. Fleet operators, drivers, and shippers should prepare for these effects by planning ahead, ensuring compliance, and allowing extra time for shipments during this critical week.