Brake Safety Week Raises Issue Of Truck Safety, Maintenance

On behalf of Lovett Law Firm posted in Truck Accidents on Wednesday, September 11, 2013.

This week, national Brake Safety Week is taking place. The yearly nationwide campaign, sponsored by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, has the goal of raising awareness of the importance of brake inspection for commercial carriers, particularly large trucks. As part of the campaign, state troopers in many states are ramping up inspections of brake safety for large trucks.

Obviously, properly functioning brakes are critical to the safety of those travelling alongside large trucks. According to the alliance, though, there are great challenges facing efforts to increase care and maintenance of large truck braking systems. Overall, it is a challenge to motivate the trucking industry to see to its duty of routine maintenance of braking systems, partly because the profit margin is so small.

One company in the industry has identified six safety issues that are important for the trucking industry to address in preparation for this week. These are: driver’s license registration; low air warning devices; pushrod travel; brake linings/drums; leaks/air loss rate; and, finally, tractor protection systems. Except for the first of these items, all these issues directly relate to braking safety.

When the braking system on a large truck fails, surrounding vehicle are put at risk. The consequences of these accidents can be catastrophic, even fatal. Victims of these accidents have the right to be properly compensated for their losses. In some cases, litigation is the most effective way to achieve proper compensation. Those who feel they may be headed toward litigation over a serious truck accident should consult with an experienced attorney to determine their options.

Source: Fleet Owner, “Preparing for annual effort to boost brake safety,” Sean Kilcarr, September 6, 2013.