The number of vehicles that were placed out of service during last September’s Brake Safety Week increased over 2013’s inspection blitz sponsored by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance.
Results of the inspections conducted throughout North America included:
- 13,305 vehicles were inspected (20,067 inspected in 2013)
- 1,388 or 10.4 percent of vehicles were placed out of service 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 out of service for brake components (7.1 percent in 2013, 7.8 percent in 2012, 7.9 percent in 2011)
- 1,658 or 16.2 percent of vehicles were placed out of service for brakes overall (13.5 percent in 2013, 15.3 percent in 2012, 14.2 percent in 2011)
During the week-long brake safety campaign, local, state, provincial, territorial and federal motor carrier safety officials throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico conducted roadside inspections to identify out-of-adjustment brakes and brake-system violations.
Roadside inspections conducted during Brake Safety Week included the inspection of brake-system components to identify loose or missing parts, air or hydraulic fluid leaks, worn linings, pads, drums or rotors, and other faulty brake-system components. Antilock braking systems (ABS) malfunction indicator lamps also were checked. Inspectors inspected brake components and measured pushrod stroke when appropriate.