Commercial vehicle inspectors will be on the lookout for brake-related issues next week as part of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s annual Brake Safety Week.
This year’s scheduled inspection spree, set for Sept. 15-22, will focus on brake hoses and tubing.
If the results of June’s 72-hour International Roadcheck inspection blitz are any indication, Brake Safety Week may not be a pleasant experience for a number of drivers. CVSA placed a total of 12,019 trucks and 2,784 drivers out of service during the blitz. Braking systems were the top OOS violation, accounting for more than a quarter of OOS violations with 4,578, or 28% of the total. An unannounced brake inspection blitz in May sidelined 1,667 trucks for brake violations.
With a focus next week on brake hoses and tubing, CVSA says these components are essential for the proper operation of braking systems in trucks. Inspectors will be checking to make sure hoses and tubing are properly attached, undamaged, without leaks and appropriately flexible.
Brake manufacturer Bendix offered drivers some tips leading up to the week-long brake enforcement spree.
“Hoses and tubing affect the performance of an entire braking system, so it’s important that they’re in good shape and free of kinks,” says Brian Screeton, Bendix supervisor of technical service training. “Checking their condition, positioning and connections should be a regular part of any visual inspection, both during pre-trip walkarounds and in the shop. Additionally, we recommend that every driver makes performing regular 90- to 100-psi brake applications and listening for leaks part of their preparation before getting on the road.”
