Brake Safety Day is an annual event during which enforcement officials across North America inspect the brake systems of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). During the most recent Brake Safety Day, inspectors in the U.S. conducted 3,859 Level I, IV, and V Inspections, which resulted in 448 CMVs being taken out of service due to brake-related violations.
What brake violations were found in commercial trucks?
Between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, a total of 4,898 inspections were conducted. This resulted in 570 CMVs being restricted from further travel. Out of those:
- 74 power units and 46 towed units had brake lining/pad violations.
- Inspectors identified 330 commercial motor vehicles with 20% brake violations, making up 57.9% of all brake-related out-of-service violations.
- 256 commercial motor vehicles (44.9%) had other brake violations, such as worn brake lines/hoses, broken brake drums, and inoperative warning devices.
- 73 commercial motor vehicles had steering-related brake violations, accounting for 12.8% of all brake-related out-of-service violations.
- Inspectors found brake lining/pad violations on 108 power units and 66 towed units during this year's Brake Safety Day.
- 114 brake lining/pad violations were discovered on power units, with contamination being the top issue, accounting for 48 violations.
- Inspectors found 71 brake lining/pad violations on towed units, with cracks/voids in the linings/pads being the top issue, accounting for 23 violations.
- 88% of CMVs passed brake safety inspections.
How does brake failure lead to truck accidents?
Brake failure is one of the most dangerous malfunctions that can occur in a CMV and is a common cause of truck accidents. When brakes fail, a truck driver may lose the ability to slow down or stop the vehicle in time to avoid a collision. This can be particularly hazardous on highways or in traffic, where sudden stops are often necessary.
Several factors can contribute to brake failure, including worn brake pads, air pressure leaks, or malfunctioning brake components. In the worst cases, brake failure can lead to catastrophic truck accidents that cause widespread damage, injuries, and even fatalities.
For example, if a truck cannot stop at a red light or stop sign due to brake failure, it can crash into other vehicles or pedestrians. The size and weight of commercial trucks amplify the impact of a collision.
What are the federal regulations for truck brakes?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has strict regulations that trucking companies must follow to ensure the safety of their vehicles' brake systems. These regulations include requirements for regular inspections, maintenance, and repairs of brake systems.
Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring that their vehicles' brakes comply with FMCSA standards, which include:
- Maintaining the correct brake pressure
- Ensuring that brake components are not worn or damaged
- Ensuring that automatic brake adjusters are functioning correctly
Regular inspections help identify and address potential brake issues before they lead to failure.
The FMCSA also requires that drivers conduct pre-trip inspections to check for brake-related issues and report any problems to their employer. Failure to adhere to these regulations can result in fines, penalties, and, in severe cases, the revocation of the company's operating authority.
Some trucking companies may neglect regular maintenance due to the cost or time involved, while others may lack the expertise to maintain their brake systems properly. Additionally, the high demand for transportation services can lead to longer periods between maintenance checks.
How to fight back after being injured in a truck accident
If you've been injured in a truck accident in San Antonio due to brake failure or some other form of negligence, you could be up against a trucking company and its insurer with a lot of money at stake. They'll go to great lengths to cover up any wrongdoing on their part and reduce your compensation. That's where the experienced attorneys at The Herrera Law Firm come in. We take pride in our commitment to justice and our ability to achieve meaningful results for our clients.
Don't let trucking companies or insurance providers push you around. Let our knowledgeable legal team handle your case from start to finish and fight for the best possible outcome. Contact us online or call our San Antonio law office today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. If you decide to work with us, there's no cost upfront, and you only pay if we win.
