Safety on the road is essential in the transportation industry, especially with commercial vehicles. Each year, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) puts together the Owner-Operator Brake Safety Week, which takes place August 20 – 26th, 2023, to highlight the importance of brake upkeep.
What is Brake Safety Week?
Brake Safety Week is a weeklong program focused on road safety by focusing on braking systems in commercial vehicles. This week also gives law enforcement agencies and owner-operators time to work together to ensure that these components are in the best working condition. Brake systems are an important part of any vehicle’s safety. Commercial vehicles are much more important due to their weight, size, and potential for carrying hazardous materials. When the braking system malfunctions or fails, this can lead to accidents, which can endanger the driver or someone else on the road.
Important Elements of Brake Safety Week
Law enforcement officers work together to conduct commercial vehicle inspections during brake safety week. During these inspections, they examine the brake components, including the brake pads, rotors, brake lines, and hydraulic systems. They aim to find any issues that could cause problems with the braking system’s performance. Brake Safety Week is also a time to help raise awareness for owner-operators to understand the importance of brake maintenance better. If owner-operators do not comply with these regulations, they may face fines, penalties, or vehicle impoundment.
Preparing for Brake Safety Week
Before hitting the road, there are a few things owner-operators can do to help them better prepare for Brake Safety Week.
Pre-Inspection: Before Brake Safety Week commences, owner-operators should begin the pre-trip inspection of their braking system. This would include checking the brake fluid levels, checking the brake pad wear and tear, examining brake lines for leaks, and ensuring the electronic braking system is in good working order.
Routine Maintenance: Keeping up on regular maintenance is important in preventing brake issues. Owner-operators should know what their manufacturer recommends regarding scheduled maintenance on brake components. This will include rotor resurfacing, brake pad replacement, and fluid changes.
Professional Inspections: While owner-operators should be doing their own inspection, it is best to have a professional inspection scheduled by a certified mechanic before Brake Safety Week. This will help address and fix any hidden issues before hitting the road.
Brake Safety Week for owner-operators is not just a yearly event but a commitment to road safety. By keeping up to date on the maintenance of your truck’s brake systems, you contribute to a safer road for all those involved.