For drivers in Pennsylvania, truckers with poorly maintained brakes present a real hazard on the road. The size, mass and weight of commercial trucks mean that when these vehicles crash, the effects can be particularly devastating. Of course, brakes that are negligently maintained present a serious threat because these trucks may be unable to stop properly, especially in slippery or rainy conditions or in an emergency situation. An out-of-control truck with nonfunctioning brakes can easily be the cause of a serious tragedy on the road.
This is why the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance conducts an annual Brake Safety Week, scheduled for September 16-22, 2018. During the week, inspections of trucks are ramped up with a particular eye out for violations of braking safety standards in an attempt to prevent dangerous 18-wheeler crashes and semi truck accidents. In 2017, the annual brake event was reduced to one day of escalated inspections. However, during that one day, 14 percent of all inspected trucks were removed from service on the road due to poor maintenance of their brakes and violations of safety regulations.
This year, truck inspectors will conduct comprehensive Level I inspections but will apply specific scrutiny to brake maintenance. Inspectors will be on the lookout for loose or absent brake parts; worn linings, drums, pads, or rotors; leaking hydraulic fluid or air; rotors that are damaged or defective; broken or mismatched air chambers and reservoirs; missing warning devices; and other brake component problems. Brake safety violations are one of the most common reasons for trucks to be pulled out of service.
Brake safety issues can lead to devastating truck crashes that cause severe injuries, permanent disabilities and even fatalities. A personal injury lawyer can help people injured by a negligently maintained trucks seek compensation for the damages they have suffered as a result, including lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering.