In 2021, Brake Safety Week is happening from August 22 through August 28. During this time, CMV inspectors will conduct brake system inspections. There will be roadside safety checks to identify vehicles with brake violations, removing those that don’t pass from the roadway. 

Since Brake Safety Week is coming up quickly, now is the perfect time to make sure your fleet’s air brakes will ultimately pass these inspections with flying colors. Whether you manage your own workforce or also use California CDL staffing providers, you want to make sure you’re ready for this big event, and here’s what you need to know. 

What Is Brake Safety Week?

Brake Safety Week is an initiative designed to identify critical safety issues regarding the brakes on commercial vehicles. It’s part of the Operation Airbrake Program overseen by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA). 

The goal of Brake Safety Week is to heighten awareness about the need for brake maintenance. Additionally, it ensures that fleets that fall short of the requirements are identified, allowing potentially dangerous vehicles to be removed from area roadways. 

The program also aims to reduce vehicle crashes that involve commercial trucks, specifically those caused by brake system failures or issues. Without functioning brakes, vehicles may fail to stop in time, increasing the odds that an accident will occur. By identifying problem trucks, dangerous vehicles can be marked for needing repairs and removed from roadways, improving safety for drivers of all kinds. 

What Will Inspectors Check During Brake Safety Week?

Throughout Brake Safety Week, inspectors are going to perform roadside inspections just as they would during other times of the year. Some special attention will be paid to brake systems. 

Hoses and tubing will get a closer look, ensuring that everything is properly attached and suitably flexible, and that no leaks are present. A failure in these areas can cause braking capabilities to diminish or disappear, making these vehicles potentially incredibly dangerous. Since brake failures can be catastrophic, vehicles that fall short of the standards will be identified and potentially removed from the roadways. 

However, there will not only be a heightened presence, but the inspectors will also collect a wide range of brake-related data that will be submitted for analysis once the event comes to an end. 

Preparing for Brake Safety Week

As a transportation company, vehicle maintenance needs to be a priority. In preparation for Brake Safety Week, inspect your entire fleet to identify potential issues and make necessary repairs. 

Additionally, mark the occasion by reviewing your maintenance procedures. That way, you can confirm that they meet today’s standards and are robust enough to prevent situations that could cause accidents. Often, a proactive approach is best, so why not celebrate the arrival of Brake Safety Week by ensuring your processes are up to date. 

If you’d like to learn more about Brake Safety Week or want to partner with a leading California CDL staffing firm to fill your vacant positions, the team at PTS® can help. Contact us today by calling (844) Go PTS® Jobs!