July 28, 2025
CVSA Brake Safety Week 2025: What Drivers and Fleets Need to Know
By Anna Grabowski, PACCAR Leasing Company (PacLease)
Ready, Set, Brake!
Every year, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s Brake Safety Week reminds us all why brakes deserve our full attention. Effective braking ensures that trucks arrive safely at their destinations and protect other drivers on our roads. During August 24-30, 2025, inspectors across Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. will be on the road conducting thorough inspections of commercial vehicles. This year, they will place an emphasis on brake drums and rotors, which are essential components for safe braking. Knowing what to watch for can make all the difference in keeping your fleet safe and on the road.
What Inspectors Will Be Looking for During Brake Safety Week
During Brake Safety Week, CVSA-certified inspectors will focus on identifying key brake-related violations including:
- Worn, cracked, or contaminated brake linings and pads
- Damaged, rusted or cracked brake drums and rotors
- Improper brake adjustment or camshaft movement
- Air leaks in brake chambers and lines
- Damaged, broken, or missing brake components
If inspectors find serious brake violations, a vehicle may be placed out of service until repairs are completed.
Looking Back: Brake Safety Week 2024 by the Numbers
Total inspections: 16,725 commercial vehicles
Out-of-service rate: 12.8% (That’s 2,149 vehicles removed from the road due to brake issues!)
Top violations:
- Stand-alone brake violations: 63.1%
- Steering axle brake violations: 10.1%
- Vehicles failing the "20% defective brakes" rule: 56.6%
These numbers reveal the real impact of brake safety.
Why Should You Care About Brake Safety?
Brake problems aren’t just about compliance — they directly affect the safety of everyone on the road. Worn brakes can lead to longer stopping distances, increased wear on other braking system components, and reduced overall vehicle safety. Brake Safety Week combines inspections with education to save lives and improve road safety.
Spotlight on Brake Drums and Rotors
Brake drums and rotors take center stage this year. They are crucial components, and their condition can make a major difference in braking performance. Why? Because worn or damaged drums and rotors can drastically reduce braking efficiency. Even worse, broken pieces can fly off and cause accidents or injuries to others on the road.
Pro Tips to Keep Your Brake Drums and Rotors Road-Ready:
- Check ’em early and often. Make drum and rotor inspection part of your pre- and post-trip routine.
- Spot the cracks. Look for cracks or missing chunks on friction surfaces — signs of serious trouble.
- Rust alert! Heavily rusted rotors usually mean your brakes aren’t working right.
- Grooves aren’t good. Inspect and measure brake drum and rotor grooves to ensure they meet manufacturer specifications—grooved rotors indicate worn pads and require repair.
- Watch the vents. If rotor wear exposes center vents, that’s a red flag.
- Stick to the rules. Always follow manufacturer repair guidelines when fixing drums or rotors.
- Report what you find. Document any issues in your vehicle inspection reports and alert your carrier immediately.
How to Stay Ahead of the Curve
- Schedule thorough brake inspections well before Brake Safety Week.
- Address issues promptly to avoid costly out-of-service orders that can halt your operations.
- Utilize CVSA’s educational resources to stay up to date on inspection requirements.
- Train your drivers and maintenance teams on the importance of brake safety.
Next Steps
Brake Safety Week is more than a one-week event — it’s a commitment to safety that protects all road users. Whether you’re a driver, mechanic, fleet manager, or owner-operator, staying informed and proactive with brake maintenance is your best defense. Mark your calendars for August 24-30, 2025, and start inspecting all brake components now for a safer and more compliant fleet.
For more information on CVSA Brake Safety Week:
https://cvsa.org/programs/operation-airbrake/brake-safety-campaigns/
2024 CVSA Brake Safety Week Results:
https://cvsa.org/news/2024-bsw-results/
Additional Resources:
https://cvsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025-BSW-Flyer-English.pdf
https://cvsa.org/news/2025-bsw/
https://cvsa.org/wp-content/uploads/Brake-Inspection-Check-List.pdf
Keep your drivers updated on safety and compliance with PacTrainer. This training program features videos, animations, printable materials, and a final test to help drivers learn effectively. Give your drivers the skills they need with the PacTrainer Safety Training Program.
Confused by DOT regulations? Need expert help with vehicle specs? Let PacLease be your transportation partner. Contact an Expert today to help you get the most from your fleet.