Drivers in Pennsylvania have plenty to be concerned about when it comes to the dangers posed by poorly maintained truck brakes and equipment. When a large commercial truck drives with dangerously bad brakes, other drivers, cyclists and pedestrians on the road can pay a high price in case of a crash. Improperly maintained brakes may mean that a truck driver is unable to stop their vehicle at the right time, and with the size, weight and mass of 18-wheelers, the results can be catastrophic or even fatal. This is one reason the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance is organizing Brake Safety Week.
Marked between September 16 and 22 this year, the safety week includes enhanced inspections of trucks across the country. Trucks will receive complete Level I inspections, but these will focus in particular on aspects of the brake system that could indicate poor maintenance. Among other issues, inspectors will be on the lookout for missing or loose brake parts; worn-out pads, linings, drums and rotors; leaking air or hydraulic fluid; damaged rotors; mismatched or broken air chambers and reservoirs; and missing required warning devices.
Brake Safety Week is an annual event aimed at reducing truck accidents. In 2017, it was scheduled as a one-day event rather than a full week. On that day, 14 percent of all trucks stopped had to be removed from service until repaired due to negligently maintained or damaged brakes. In addition, other national inspection days have indicated that brake violations are some of the most common regulations infractions observed in trucks across the country.
Truck accidents can cause significant damage and life-changing injuries. When those injuries were the result of improperly maintained brakes or other equipment, accident victims may wish to seek justice. A personal injury lawyer may be able to help injured people pursue compensation for their medical bills, lost wages and other costs incurred as a result.
