CVSA's 2021 Brake Safety Week Targets Brake Hoses and Tubing

In August 2021, inspectors across North America held the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance's (CVSA) annual Brake Safety Week. CVSA had announced in May that the event would run August 22-28, 2021, with brake hoses and tubing as the year's focus area.

What happened during the week

During the week, inspectors carried out North American Standard Inspections with particular attention to brake systems and components. Commercial vehicles found with brake-related out-of-service violations were removed from the road. CVSA noted that many carriers used the week to remind their drivers and maintenance providers why brake system safety matters.

Inspectors also collected data on brake hoses and tubing to send to CVSA. CVSA said it would report the findings later in the year.

Why brakes got a week of their own

CVSA gave several reasons for devoting a full week to brakes:

• During the 2020 International Roadcheck, brake system and brake adjustment violations made up 38.6% of all vehicle out-of-service conditions, more than any other category.
• FMCSA's latest Large Truck and Bus Crash Facts report listed "brake system" as the third most cited vehicle-related factor in fatal crashes involving commercial and passenger vehicles.
• FMCSA's Motor Carrier Management Information System showed that brake-related violations made up eight of the top 20 vehicle violations in 2020.
• During the 2020 Brake Safety Week, 12% of the 43,565 commercial vehicles inspected were placed out of service for brake-related violations.

Announced in advance on purpose

CVSA publishes the dates ahead of time so carriers, drivers and mechanics can check and service their vehicles beforehand. It cited research showing that announcing enforcement campaigns in advance improves compliance more than surprise campaigns do, and for longer after the event.

August was also Brake Safety Awareness Month. CVSA said enforcement agencies planned outreach and education for drivers, carriers, mechanics and owner-operators during the month on brake maintenance, operation and performance.

Archive: this article describes rules and events as of August 2021. Regulations may have changed since, so check the current rule before relying on it.