On September 7, 2017, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) conducted their annual Brake Safety Day. Brake issues are always common during inspections, and it comes as no surprise that 14% of inspected vehicles were placed out-of-service (OOS) specifically this year for brake related violations.
What Is Brake Safety Day?
Typically, brake related violations are one of the highest offenders during CVSA inspections. During the 2016 International Roadcheck program, 45.7% of all out-of-service violations were brake related.
The goal of Brake Safety Day is to reduce the number of crashes caused by brake system issues on commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). Through a comprehensive, 37-step procedure, inspectors identified and removed vehicles with critical brake violations.
This year, the CVSA inspected 7698 vehicles and placed 14%, or 1064 vehicles, out of service for serious brake-related violations. 
Properly functioning brake systems are very important for maintaining safe vehicle operation. Poorly maintained brakes can reduce braking efficiency and increase stopping distance – posing a serious risk to driver and public safety. Keep your brakes in good condition to avoid dangerous accidents and expensive violations!
Results of Brake Safety Day
- The United States conducted 6,361 commercial motor vehicle inspections and Canada conducted 1,337
- A total of 40 jurisdictions participated: 31 US states and 9 Canadian provinces/territories
- 14% (1,064) of all inspections conducted resulted in a vehicle being placed out of service for brake-related violations
- 22% (1,680) of vehicles inspected were placed out of service for vehicle violations of any kind
- 78% of the vehicles inspected did not have any out-of-service conditions
ABS Systems Were Also Tested
Antilock braking systems (ABS) help drivers to stop in the shortest possible distance under many road and weather conditions. During Brake Safety Day, many jurisdictions also tested to ensure that ABS systems were installed in CMVs and functioning properly.
The results were as follows: 
- 5,456 air-braked power units required ABS and 11% (610 vehicles) had ABS violations
- 3,749 trailers required ABS and 14% (540 vehicles) had ABS violations.
- 821 hydraulic-braked trucks required ABS and 5% (45 vehicles) had ABS violations.
- 49 buses required ABS and 10% (5 vehicles) had ABS violations.
How BigRoad Can Help
Stay safe on the road! If your brakes aren’t functioning properly, record this in your pre- or post-trip inspection on the BigRoad Mobile App to remind yourself or your carrier to get the damage fixed. Book a free demo by clicking on the button below!