When it comes to tractor-trailers and other large commercial vehicles, staying safe on the road is a big deal— and identifying potential brake problems is a key part of that.
Truck accidents are catastrophic, life-altering events that can result in severe injuries and fatalities. That's why regular maintenance and routine safety inspections are essential. Unfortunately, some commercial trucks didn't pass the test during the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance's (CVSA) Brake Safety Week.
During the CVSA's Brake Safety Week, which took place in August, inspectors across Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. conducted 18,875 inspections on commercial motor vehicles, focusing on brake systems. While a large portion of commercial trucks (87.4%) had no brake-related out-of-service violations, 12.6% did have brake-related violations, resulting in them being taken out of service.
The focus of this weeklong inspection and enforcement initiative was to examine the brake systems and components of commercial motor vehicles, with inspectors submitting brake-related data to the CVSA.
Brake-related out-of-service violations refer to critical vehicle inspection item violations that lead to a commercial vehicle being placed out of service, restricting it from further travel.
Such violations include issues like:
Additionally, service brake violations, such as cracked linings, brake adjustment problems, or loose chambers, may collectively result in a vehicle being placed out of service under the 20% brake criterion. Some service brake violations automatically lead to a vehicle being placed out of service when found on the steering axle.
Of the 18,875 commercial motor vehicles inspected, 2,375 (12.6%) were taken off the road due to brake-related out-of-service violations. Of these, 295 (12.4%) had steering axle brake violations, 1,127 (47.5%) had standalone brake violations, and 1,394 (58.7%) failed the 20% defective brakes criterion.
The primary focus area for Brake Safety Week in 2023 was lining/pad violations. During inspections, which mirrored regular examinations of commercial motor vehicle components, inspectors checked brake lining/pads for issues like cracks, voids, contamination, and wear. A total of 379 power (tractor) units and 261 towed (trailer) units were found to have lining/pad violations, with the breakdown as follows:
Although lining/pad violations are not always out-of-service violations, they can affect a motor carrier's safety rating if left unaddressed. Additionally, these violations can become out-of-service violations when they occur on the steering axle or are combined with other brake violations that meet the 20% brake criterion.
When a commercial truck has faulty or defective brakes, it poses a significant safety risk to both the truck driver and everyone else on the road. Brakes are a crucial component of any vehicle's safety system, but they are especially vital for large commercial trucks due to their size and weight.
Faulty brakes can lead to a range of dangerous situations and potential hazards, including:
At Tracey Fox & Walters, our experienced Texas truck accident lawyers have seen the devastating consequences of truck accidents caused by faulty or defective brakes. We understand the nuances of these cases and are dedicated to helping victims seek the compensation they deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident due to faulty brakes, you don't have to face the aftermath alone. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident, work with experts to determine liability, and build a strong case on your behalf. We are committed to helping you recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other accident-related expenses.
With years of experience handling truck accident claims in Texas, we have the knowledge, experience, and resources to fight for your rights. Don't hesitate to reach out to Tracey Fox & Walters for a free consultation to discuss your potential legal case. We are here to help you pursue justice and seek the compensation you deserve. Contact us today. We have offices conveniently located in San Antonio, Dallas, and Houston, Texas.