Big rig drivers might find their trucks’ brake systems being checked in surprise inspections this year.
A brake safety enforcement campaign is scheduled to be conducted on September 7, 2017 all over North America. Another one, which will not be announced, will be conducted at an unspecified time during the year.
According to the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), CMV inspectors will perform mainly Level IV inspections of brake systems. The checks, which will be conducted on buses and large trucks, are aimed at finding brakes that are out of adjustment as well as violations.
Violations related to brakes account for the highest percentage of out-of-service violations cited in roadside inspections.
“Properly functioning brake systems are crucial to safe commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operation,” the CVSA states. “CMV brakes are designed to hold up under tough conditions, but they must be inspected and maintained carefully and consistently so they operate and perform properly throughout the vehicle’s life.”
Educational and outreach efforts are also part of this campaign.
Since the program started in 1998, there have been more than 3.4 million brake inspections.