If you got stopped for a brake inspection sometime between August 23 and 29, you were probably a part of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s annual Brake Safety Week this year. They conduct special brake inspections each year to raise awareness, make trucks safer, and reduce accidents out on the road. This year’s results are in.
A total of 43,565 commercial motor vehicles across North America went through an inspection during Brake Safety Week and 12 percent (5,156) of those vehicles were placed out-of-service for brake-related violations. These inspections occurred across 53 jurisdictions in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The US had 45 jurisdictions participating, while Canada had seven, and Mexico’s National Guard and Ministry of Communications and Transportation provided data.
Due to COVID-19, the CVSA followed each agency’s health and safety protocols and took appropriate precautions in consideration of the health and well-being of inspectors and drivers.
Let’s break down the numbers even further.
- The United States had a total of 35,778 inspections with 4,565 (13 percent) vehicles taken out of service for brake-related violations.
- In Mexico, 5.958 inspections took place with 355 (6 percent) vehicles taken out of service for brake-related violations.
- Canada had 1,829 inspections with 256 (14 percent) vehicles placed out of service for brake-related violations.
During Brake Safety Week inspectors also collected data on the chafing of brake hoses. A total of 6,697 of all vehicles inspected had hose chafing violations reported.
Overall, 88 percent of all commercial motor vehicles inspected were not found to have brake-related violations. Some vehicles received a decal from the CVSA which indicates they’ve passed inspection. The decal is valid for three months.
Next year’s Brake Safety Week takes place August 22 through August 28, 2021.