The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) announced this week the 2014 “Brake Safety Week” inspection results for North American commercial vehicles. The out-of-service rate was found to be 16.2%, up from 13.5% in 2013, said the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance.
As part of the annual Brake Safety Week, 13,305 vehicles were inspected between September 7-13, 2014. Out of the vehicles inspected, 2,162 vehicles were put out of service for brake violations.
During the campaign, local, state, provincial, territorial and federal motor carrier safety officials throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico conducted roadside inspections to identify brake violations. Brake inspections conducted included an inspection of the brake-system to identify missing or loose parts or any leaks of hydraulic fluid, as well as any worn components. The discovery of a defective brake-system results in a vehicle being placed “out-of-service,” a designation rendering the vehicle unfit to continue service on public roadways.
“Whether you are behind the wheel of a big rig, intercity bus or family car, safe and reliable brakes are fundamental to protecting everyone on our roads,” said FMCSA Acting Administrator Scott Darling. “Each year, the Brake Safety Week inspection blitz reinforces that commercial drivers and companies are responsible for ensuring that their vehicles are well maintained and in safe working condition at all times.”
Results of 2014 Brake Safety Week included:
- 13,305 vehicles were inspected (20,067 inspected in 2013);
- 1,388 or 10.4 percent of vehicles were placed OOS for brake adjustment (9.0 in 2013, 9.4 percent in 2012, 8.4 percent in 2011);
- 1,244 or 9.3 percent of vehicles were placed OOS for brake components (7.1 percent in 2013, 7.8 percent in 2012, 7.9 percent in 2011); and,
- 1,658 or 16.2 percent of vehicles were placed OOS for brakes overall (13.5 percent in 2013, 15.3 percent in 2012, 14.2 percent in 2011).
“The ultimate goal of Brake Safety Week is to reduce the number of highway crashes caused by faulty braking systems on commercial vehicles,” said CVSA President Capt. William Reese of the Idaho State Police. “We strive to reach that goal by conducting roadside inspections and educating drivers, mechanics, motor carriers and others on the importance of proper brake inspection, maintenance and operation.”
Violations concerning various brake issues comprise the largest percentage (49.6%) of all out-of-service violations cited in 2013 during roadside inspections. Improperly installed or poorly maintained brake systems can reduce the braking capacity and stopping distance of trucks and buses, which poses a serious risk to driver and public safety. As a result, the condition of the braking system of a commercial vehicle involved in a collission has important implications on litigation.
The Law Offices of John David Hart has successfully represented numerous individuals in obtaining compensation for injuries obtained in collisions involving large trucks and commercial vehicles. If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries and/or death as a result of a truck crash, contact the Law Offices of John David Hart at 1-800-247-1623 or johnhart@hartlaw.comto discuss your legal rights. We are experienced in helping individuals and families deal with the devastating effects of serious truck crashes on the lives of those involved and are dedicated to helping you during this difficult time.
