Brake Safety Day is an annual event organized by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA). Each year, it shines a spotlight on the importance of brake safety in commercial motor vehicles.
In 2024, inspectors across 47 jurisdictions in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico conducted 4,898 commercial vehicle inspections in a single day. Their findings reveal significant safety concerns that could lead to catastrophic truck accidents if left unaddressed. As a result of the inspections, 448 vehicles were placed out of service due to serious brake failures.
What were the most common brake violations discovered?
During Brake Safety Day, inspectors conducted a variety of inspections, including Level I, IV, and V, across 37 U.S. jurisdictions. These inspections identified several common brake violations, with 11.6% of vehicles inspected being placed out of service.
The most frequent issue was brake violations, which affected 20% or more of a vehicle's service brakes and accounted for 57.9% of all brake-related out-of-service violations.
Other notable brake issues included worn brake lines and hoses, broken brake drums, and inoperative systems such as tractor protection and low-air warning devices, which were found in 44.9% of inspected vehicles.
Additionally, inspectors focused on brake lining and pad conditions. They discovered 108 power units and 66 towed units with lining and pad violations. The most common problem was contamination of the brake linings, with 48 instances recorded on power units. In addition to contamination, inspectors identified cracks and voids in the linings and pads of towed units, with 23 violations being the top issue.
What role did performance-based brake testers (PBBTs) play?
Performance-based brake testers (PBBTs) played an important role in assessing the braking efficiency of commercial vehicles during Brake Safety Day. Inspectors in nine U.S. jurisdictions utilized PBBTs to evaluate 88 vehicles, with four failing to meet the minimum braking efficiency of 43.5% as required by the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.
How does brake failure lead to truck accidents?
Imagine driving down the highway when suddenly a massive truck loses control and crashes into you. This terrifying scenario often stems from brake failure, a leading cause of truck accidents. When a truck's brakes fail, the driver loses the ability to slow down or stop effectively, putting everyone on the road in immediate danger.
Brake failure can happen for several reasons, including:
- Worn-out brake pads: Over time, brake pads wear down and lose their effectiveness. When brake pads are too thin, they can't generate the friction needed to stop a truck, especially in emergency situations. This can cause the truck to skid or take much longer to stop, increasing the risk of a collision.
- Malfunctioning brake lines: Brake lines are essential for transmitting the pressure needed to activate the brakes. If these lines are damaged, corroded, or leaking, they can fail to deliver the necessary force to the brakes, leading to brake failure. This can leave the truck unable to slow down or stop properly, especially when quick braking is required.
- Lack of regular maintenance: Trucks require regular maintenance to ensure that all parts, including the brakes, are in good working order. Neglecting routine inspections and maintenance can result in unnoticed wear and tear, increasing the likelihood of brake failure. Without regular upkeep, small issues can escalate into major problems that compromise the truck's ability to stop safely.
- Overheated brakes: Brake systems can overheat during heavy use, such as when a truck is descending a long, steep hill. Overheating reduces the effectiveness of the brakes, leading to what's known as "brake fade." In extreme cases, the brakes can fail completely, causing the truck to lose control and potentially leading to a serious accident.
- Overloaded trucks: When a truck is overloaded, it places additional strain on the brake system. The extra weight requires more braking power to stop the truck, which can lead to accelerated wear and tear on the brakes. In some cases, the brakes may not be strong enough to handle the load, resulting in brake failure and an increased risk of accidents.
How can a Texas truck accident attorney help?
If you've been injured in a truck accident caused by brake failure or another form of negligence, don't wait to seek legal help from a trusted Texas truck accident attorney at Tracey Fox & Walters. Our legal team has a proven track record of holding negligent truck drivers and trucking companies accountable.
We have secured large settlements and awards for clients injured in truck accidents, including
- $2 million for the surviving family members of a worker killed in a trucking accident.
- $1.25 million for a student killed in a truck accident.
Every case is unique, and we offer free case evaluations to review the details of your truck accident and resulting injuries. Contact our law firm online or call one of our offices in Houston, Dallas, or San Antonio to learn how we can help you pursue justice and compensation.
