July 29, 2021
Is Your Fleet Prepared for CVSA Brake Safety Week Aug. 22-28th?
Harminder Simplay, PACCAR Leasing Marketing Intern
As summer is passing and fall is around the corner, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) Brake Safety Week is quickly approaching. Brake Safety Week is set for the week of August 22-28. In order to help your fleet and drivers prepare, here’s what you should know first:
During Brake Safety Week, commercial motor vehicle inspectors throughout North America inform motor carriers about the importance of proper brake maintenance and the risks of receiving brake system violations. The CVSA will conduct North American Standard Inspections focusing on brake systems and components with particular attention to hoses/tubing of commercial vehicles identifying vehicles with violations. If any vehicle inspected has a violation identified as an Out-of-Service brake violation, it will be removed off the road until the violation is corrected.
So, what are some checkpoints of the Out-of-Service criteria?
- Lighting
- Hours of service
- Tires
- Cargo securement
- Brake system
- And much more!
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) latest “Large Truck and Bus Crash Facts” report, “Brake system” was the third most cited vehicle-related factor in CMV crashes. The FMCSA’s Motor Carrier Management Information System also stated that in 2020, brake-related violations accounted for eight out of the top 20 vehicle violations. In addition, according to CVSA’s 2020 International Roadcheck Results, brake system & adjustment violations accounted for 38.6% of all vehicle out-of-service conditions.
The purpose of Brake Safety Week is to remind CMV drivers, carriers, and mechanics to ensure every vehicle complies with regulations. Because when commercial vehicles are mechanically functional, they are safe to proceed on the road, which in turn increases the safety of other surrounding vehicles and prevent further violations.
For more helpful resources regarding CVSA’s Brake Safety Week:
https://www.cvsa.org/news/2021-brake-safety-week/
CVSA Emergency Declaration resource:
https://www.cvsaemergencydeclarations.org/
Check out additional helpful resources from CVSA regarding Out-of-Service Criteria:
https://www.cvsa.org/inspections/out-of-service-criteria/
Keep your drivers’ current with up to date and relevant safety trainings by PacTrainer. The interactive training program includes videos, animations, printable forms, manuals, and a culminating exam to support the driver learning experience. Learn more about how your drivers can benefit from the PacTrainer Safety Training Program.
Need help with vehicle spec optimization by a qualified professional? Do you find DOT Regulations confusing? Let PacLease be your transport solutions partner for your business. Contact an Expert today to let us help you optimize your fleet.