Large commercial vehicles are the backbone of the transportation industry, but these massive vehicles also pose significant risks on the road. One of the most critical maintenance aspects that often goes overlooked is the condition of the vehicle’s brakes. Brake issues in these large vehicles are not only common but also a grave safety concern for all road users.
What issues could put motorists in danger?
Large commercial trucks are larger and heavier than other vehicles on the road. This makes it especially important for these vehicles to be able to stop when needed. Unfortunately, many different issues could impact brake function, including:
- Faulty brakes: Unfortunately, some manufacturers provide faulty brake parts or systems. These faulty systems can fail unexpectedly.
- Air leaks: Air tanks and air lines are essential for the functionality of air brakes. Any compromise in their integrity can affect the entire braking system, limiting the brake’s effectiveness or delaying the brake’s response after the driver pushes the pedal.
- Inoperative valves: These are crucial for maintaining air pressure and ensuring that the brakes can function correctly.
- Broken brake drums: These can severely impair a vehicle’s braking capability, leading to increased stopping distances or complete brake failure.
- Corrosion: Corrosion can weaken the brake housing, leading to potential failures under the stress of normal operation.
- Overuse: Brakes can heat up when used too often. This can cause wear and warping, leaving vehicles without the power to stop when they need to.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, brake issues are one of the most common vehicle issues that contribute to truck crashes. Brake failure in a large vehicle can lead to catastrophic accidents, including multi-vehicle pile-ups, rollovers and severe collisions.
Many large commercial vehicles may not have the maintenance they need.
The annual Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) Brake Safety Week sheds light on the prevalence of brake problems in commercial vehicles. During this week, inspectors examined thousands of large trucks and buses to assess their compliance with safety standards.
Unfortunately, this week also highlights how common brake issues can be. In 2023, 12.6 percent of the vehicles inspected had brake issues that put them out of service. This means that roughly one in every eight vehicles had brake issues severe enough to warrant immediate removal from the road.
Understanding the role that brake failure can play in a truck accident is important for drivers. Identifying the many factors involved in a crash can help injured people and their loved ones hold people and companies responsible for their actions. This can include manufacturers that supplied faulty brakes and drivers and carrier companies that did not properly maintain these systems.