Operation Safe Driver Week 2024

Among the essential dynamics of a vehicle—acceleration, braking, and steering—braking stands out as critical. This is why the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) dedicates an entire week, along with additional days throughout the year, specifically to brake safety. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to expect during this year’s Brake Safety Week:

The CVSA has officially marked August 25-31 for the 2024 Brake Safety Week, an initiative designed to enforce regulatory compliance, raise awareness, and collect vital data related to brake safety.

Inspection and Enforcement

Throughout the week, CVSA-certified inspectors will conduct routine inspections of commercial motor vehicles, with a sharp focus on brake systems and components. Any vehicle found with brake-related out-of-service violations will be removed from the road until those violations are resolved.

This year, special attention will be given to the condition of brake linings and pads. Deficiencies in these areas may result in violations and negatively impact a motor carrier’s safety rating.

Moreover, some jurisdictions will employ Performance-Based Brake Testers (PBBT), advanced machines that evaluate a vehicle’s braking performance. These will play a key role during Brake Safety Week.

Awareness and Outreach

Education is a cornerstone of Brake Safety Week. Efforts by inspectors, motor carriers, and industry stakeholders are vital for the success of this initiative.

Beyond the educational outreach by law enforcement and safety organizations, CVSA seeks to equip drivers, motor carriers, owner-operators, and mechanics with the necessary knowledge to prepare for Brake Safety Week.

• Review the inspector’s procedure for inspections.
• Download a checklist outlining the tools needed to inspect S-cam brakes, identifying key issues, and measuring pushrod stroke.
• Learn about the specific vehicle components under scrutiny by inspectors.
• Access a flyer with 10 essential tips for brake linings and pads.

This week also serves as a reminder of the importance of a proactive vehicle maintenance program and provides law enforcement an opportunity to emphasize the critical nature of brake safety.

Data Collection

During Brake Safety Week, inspectors will gather and submit data on brake inspections and violations to CVSA. This year, there will be a focus on data related to brake linings and pads. Jurisdictions with PBBT will also contribute PBBT-specific data, all of which will be analyzed and publicly reported by CVSA later this year.

The Importance of Brake Safety Week

Brake-related violations represent the largest percentage of out-of-service vehicle violations during roadside inspections. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s 2023 data shows that six of the top 20 vehicle violations were brake-related. Last year’s CVSA International Roadcheck identified brake-system violations as the top vehicle violation, accounting for 25.2% of all out-of-service vehicle violations.

The overarching goal of Brake Safety Week is to enhance the safety of commercial motor vehicles across North America by reducing the number of roadway crashes linked to brake systems. This is achieved through rigorous roadside inspections and educational efforts directed at drivers, mechanics, motor carriers, and other stakeholders.

Have questions about brake safety? Reach out to us today.

Source: CVSA Operation Safe Driver Week 2024

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