Poorly maintained brakes on commercial vehicles create a lot of unnecessary risks on U.S. highways. The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) reports that brake-related issues make up more than 50 percent of all roadside inspection violations. Truck accidents can cause serious injuries and deaths to the big rig driver as well as other motorists.
“Ultimately, brakes are a major factor in being able to operate a commercial vehicle safely, yet they continue to be cited as one of the leading factors in crashes due to defects and improper maintenance and adjustment,” said CVSA’s executive director Stephen A. Keppler. He also noted that drivers, mechanics, and trucking managers need to be educated more about “…the importance of proper adjustment, maintenance, and operation to ensure every commercial vehicle is operating safely, and, ultimately, to save lives.”
Commercial vehicles take at least twice as long to brake in comparison to normal automobiles and smaller trucks. If brakes are defective or poorly adjusted, it creates even more problems and increases the stopping distance needed. The Operation Air Brake Campaign by the CVSA encourages more driver education, for it only takes a few minutes to check for brake defects and adjust air brakes to prevent an accident. Simply choosing not to check your brakes is unacceptable, as you could not only your compromise your life but risk others too. Companies that are committed to safety should have their drivers and mechanics certified in these safety measures, and provide continuing education.
Operation Air Brake has an international scope and conducts safety campaigns, including inspections, throughout the year. These inspections are more of an educational effort rather than enforcement, so that drivers can better understand braking systems and what constitutes a proper inspection. Trucking safety directors and truck stop operators are encouraged to create a culture of safety awareness of maintaining brakes, wearing seatbelts, and lessening distracted driving.
It will take a concerted effort to lessen the 29 percent of truck accidents that are caused by faulty brakes. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration does have rules and regulations regarding brake performance standards that all semi-trucks must meet. Trucking companies, drivers, and product manufacturers that are negligent in the manufacture, use, and maintenance of their brakes can be found liable when a person is seriously injured or dies in a trucking accident.
Paul Greenberg is a Chicago truck accident lawyer and Chicago truck accident attorney with Briskman Briskman & Greenberg. To learn more call 1.877.595.4878 or visit http://www.briskmanandbriskman.com/.
