The week of September 15-22 is the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s annual Brake Safety Week. While this yearly observance is meant to raise awareness about brake safety and maintenance, it also empowers CVSA-certified enforcement personnel to conduct roadside inspections on any commercial vehicles they come across. That is why you want to invest in high-quality commercial truck repairs in Ocala, FL now.
Why is Brake Safety Week important?
It’s simple: properly functioning brakes are crucial for commercial vehicles staying safe on the road. If not routinely inspected and maintained, brakes can malfunction and cause, at a minimum, fender benders. Accidents lead to traffic, road rage, increased insurance costs and a slew of other complications and negative side effects that can affect your job or business.
The numbers
Maybe all of this safety talk makes you think we’re just trying to sell you on commercial truck repairs in Ocala, FL. We wish that were the case! However, data reveals that faulty brakes are the causes of numerous problems, and the numbers don’t lie:
- 32.7 percent of large trucks with pre-crash violations had brake problems.
- Brake-related violations comprised the largest percentage of out-of-service vehicle violations cited in 2017.
- Relative risk analysis shows that large trucks involved in a crash where the braking capacity of the truck was critical were 50 percent more likely to have a brake violation.
- Of the trucks involved in brake-critical crashes, 45.5 percent had brake violations.
- 14 percent of all inspections conducted during the 2017 Brake Safety Week resulted in a commercial motor vehicle being placed out of service for brake-related violations.
What to expect during a brake inspection
During the week of September 15-22, CVSA-certified inspectors will conduct the North American Standard Level I Inspection, a 37-step process, on commercial vehicles. All components of your brake system will be examined, as well as a review of driver operating requirements and vehicle mechanical fitness. Inspectors will use a fine-tooth comb to note any missing, broken or ill-fitting parts, along with a long list of other details, including air or hydraulic fluid leaks; defective rotor conditions; measurement of pushrod travel; mismatched air chamber sizes across axles; air reservoir integrity and mounting; worn linings, pads, drums or rotors; required brake system warning devices and other brake system components. Any commercial vehicles found with defective or unmaintained brake systems will be designated as out of service.
Additionally, vehicle braking efficiency is measured with performance-based brake testing (PBBT). A minimum braking efficiency for commercial trucks is 43.5 percent, as dictated by section 393.52 of the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and the CVSA North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria.
You don’t want to become another statistic related to failure to properly maintain commercial vehicles. You also don’t want to run the risk of your trucks being labeled as out of service. Instead, invest in commercial truck repairs in Ocala, FL at J & M Trailer Repair. Our dependable, certified services keep your fleet on the road while being able to undergo the scrutiny of any official inspection. Don’t lose out on profits—schedule your brake maintenance appointment today!