Brake Safety Day lands on September 7th this year.
The previously week-long campaign was condensed by the CVSA in 2017. The Sept. 7th blitz will be a follow-up to the unannounced brake inspection spree that occurred on May 3rd.
During the surprise blitz, 9,524 inspections were conducted throughout the U.S. and Canada. The inspection led to 1,989 out of service trucks—that’s nearly one out of every five trucks that were inspected.
Here’s what you need to know in order to pass the CVSA’s Brake Safety Day.
The Inspection Process
On Brake Safety Day, inspectors will primarily conduct a 37-step procedure that includes an examination of both driver operating requirements and vehicle mechanical fitness.
Overall Inspection
During the May 3rd surprise blitz, 42 percent of trucks put out of service had general violations that would have been detected when inspectors followed the following seven-point plan check:
- Driver’s License
- Registration
- Low Air Warning Device
- Pushrod Travel (Adjustment)
- Brake Linings/Drums.
- Leaks and Air Loss Rate
- Tractor Protection System
Eight Brake System Checks
Fifty-eight percent of trucks put out of service on May 3rd had braking system violations. Inspectors focus on eight brake system-specific features during their checks:
- Checking the air brake mechanical components
- Checking the steering axle air brake mechanical components
- Checking the brake adjustment
- Building the air system’s pressure to 90-100 psi
- Checking the anti-lock braking system (ABS), if applicable
- Testing the air loss rate, if necessary
- Testing the low air pressure warning device
- Checking the tractor protection system
The above come from an in-depth article provided by FleetOwner.
How to Prepare for Brake Safety Day
The best way to ensure your brake system is working properly is to make preventative maintenance a priority. Please, do not try to perform brake adjustments or other brake-related tasks without having the training or experience required of a brake inspector. Not only could you potentially damage your truck, but you put yourself at risk for becoming seriously injured.
Brake Safety Day serves as a reminder to motor carriers and drivers to take proactive steps to ensure their vehicle’s brakes are compliant, functioning properly and road safe.
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