North Carolina drivers who have been on the road with large trucks might agree that these larger vehicles can be intimidating. One issue that can be dangerous for everyone on the road is brake failure or related problems. With this concern in mind, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance holds an annual brake inspection week.
While CVSA inspectors will perform full Level 1 inspections, which are comprehensive inspections, the main focus is to identify any brake violations or malfunctions. Vehicles found to have these will be taken out of service. The inspectors will be looking at brake components to identify broken or missing parts, lining, pads, rotors or drums that are worn; leaks in the air or hydraulic systems; mandated brake systems warning devices and any other defective systems or components.
Brakes are important to maintaining road safety and preventing truck accidents. The goal for the CVSA inspections is to make sure that drivers and fleets are providing correct routine maintenance of the brake systems and that the brakes are performing at optimum level at all times. About 14 percent of trucks inspected last year during the safety campaign were taken out of service for violations related to the brake-system. The CVSA also has other inspection weeks, one focusing on driver safety such as speeding, following other vehicles too closely or properly using seat belts.
These inspections go a long way toward preventing accidents. However, not all crashes can be prevented. If someone is injured in a truck accident, they might decide to file a personal injury claim to seek compensation for the damages they suffered, which can be physical and emotional. The victim might also seek a personal injury lawyer to represent them in negotiations with the truck driver’s insurance company or in court.