Law enforcement agencies across the U.S. will conduct roadside inspections on large trucks and buses to identify out-of-adjustment brakes, brake-system and anti-lock braking system (ABS) violations as part of the CVSA’s Brake Safety Week, an annual outreach and enforcement campaign designed to improve commercial motor vehicle (CMV) brake safety.
CVSA is made up of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies nationwide.
Truck Brake Maintenance
According to the CVSA, brake systems must be routinely inspected and maintained carefully and consistently so they operate and perform properly throughout the vehicle’s life and according to federal safety rules.
Improperly installed or poorly maintained brake systems can reduce braking efficiency and increase the stopping distance of trucks and buses. ABS systems help the driver maintain control in certain braking situations and reduces the risk of crash.
Brake-related violations comprised 43 percent of all out-of-service violations cited during CVSA’s annual 2015 RoadCheck enforcement blitz. Click Here for a summary of an unannounced Brake Check Day in May.
Truck Brake Roadside Inspection
Brake Safety Week will include inspection of brake-system components to identify loose or missing parts, air or hydraulic fluid leaks, worn linings, pads, drums or rotors and other faulty brake-system components.
ABS malfunction indicator lamps are also checked. Enforcement authorities will inspect brake components and measure pushrod stroke where applicable. Defective or out-of-adjustment brakes will result in the vehicle being placed out of service.
Many inspectors will conduct Level I standard inspection procedures. Click Here for a description of Level I inspection standards. Inspectors will use performance based brake testing equipment (PBBT) that measures vehicle braking efficiency.
PBBT equipment includes slow speed roller dynamometers that measure total vehicle weight and brake force to determine braking efficiency. Click Here to download a description of PBBT testing.
The minimum braking efficiency for trucks is 43.5 percent under FMCSA regulations and the CVSA out-of-service criteria.
