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Aug. 23 is start of weeklong brake inspection spree

On Behalf of | Aug 18, 2020 | Firm News |

Truck drivers in Louisiana are supposed to inspect their rigs on a regular basis, and that includes their brake system. In the effort to enforce those brake regulations, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance holds a brake inspection spree every year called Brake Safety Week. Truckers should be aware that the 2020 spree will take place from Aug. 23 to 29.

Focusing on brakes hoses and tubing

Every CVSA inspection spree has a special focus, and like the previous year’s, the 2020 Brake Safety Week will focus on brake hoses and tubing. If these components are improperly attached, inflexible, damaged or leaking, they can seriously impact the truck’s overall mechanical fitness.

Any trucks that violate brake regulations will be placed out-of-service. This happened to 13.5% of the trucks inspected during the 2019 Brake Safety Week. To give an idea of how widespread brake-related violations are, these were behind 45.1% of all OOS orders issued during the CVSA’s 2019 International Roadcheck.

Fleets must ensure a safety-minded culture

Often, truck drivers will neglect maintenance because the fleet they work for does not adequately emphasize safety. Some fleets are better than others, which is why the Truckload Carriers Association holds an annual “Best Fleets to Drive For” contest. All fleets, though, should take note that August is Brake Safety Awareness Month and be more safety-minded.

When truck drivers injure others

Poorly maintained rigs are to blame for many truck crashes. Bad brakes, for instance, can increase the stopping distance and cause serious rear-end collisions. If you suffered harm as a result of this negligence, you could file a claim against the trucking company or, if the driver is an owner-operator, against the insurer. You want to be reimbursed for your medical bills, lost income and other losses, and having legal representation may especially help you in that regard.