DiLorenzo & Rush | Counselors of Law
Stepping Up & Standing Out

CVSA schedules truck brake inspection spree for August 2020

On Behalf of | Jul 25, 2020 | Motor Vehicle Accidents

Truck drivers in New Jersey and across the U.S. are subject to a brake inspection spree once a year. It’s called Brake Safety Week, and it’s hosted by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance. What truckers should know is that the 2020 Brake Safety Week will be held from August 23 to 29. August, incidentally, is Brake Safety Awareness Month, when law enforcement agencies reach out to drivers, fleets and mechanics about the importance of brake maintenance.

The CVSA says the 2020 brake inspection spree will focus on brake hoses and tubing. If these have leaks or damage or are not properly attached or flexible, they’ll ultimately affect the truck’s safety. As with previous inspection sprees, trucks that violate brake regulations will be placed out of service. This happened to 13.5% of inspected trucks during the 2019 spree.

Brake safety regulations are among the most frequently violated by truck drivers. This was particularly evident in the 2019 International Roadcheck held by the CVSA. Of all the OOS orders handed out, 45.1% were the result of brake system and adjustment violations.

Fleets will differ from one another in their safety practices, training methods, equipment and so on. Fortunately, the Truckload Carriers Association holds an annual “Best Fleets to Drive For” contest to recognize those fleets that are, among other things, the most safety-minded.

Truckers are supposed to inspect their big rigs before every shift, so there is little reason for them not to have functioning brakes. When faulty vehicle components are behind truck accidents, then the fault will likely lay with the trucker or perhaps the parts manufacturer. In any event, someone who has been injured in such an accident may file a claim. Having a lawyer may be beneficial.