More than one in 10 commercial motor vehicles that were inspected in Canada were put out of service for brake-related violations during Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) recent one-day unannounced blitz.

Inspectors in nine Canadian provinces and territories conducted 1,021 inspections, of which 904 of the vehicles inspected did not have any brake-related out-of-service violations. They removed 117 vehicles from roadways for brake-related out-of-service violations, which is an 11.5% vehicle out-of-service rate. Additionally, 33 power units and 18 towed units had brake lining/pad violations.

CVSA inspectors in 47 jurisdictions throughout Canada, Mexico and the U.S. conducted 4,898 inspections in the brake-safety inspection and enforcement event.

Brake Safety Day data found that of the 4,898 inspections conducted, 4,328 vehicles did not have any brake-related out-of-service violations – 88.4% of the total number of vehicles inspected. However, inspectors identified 570 (11.6%) vehicles that were traveling on roadways with brake-related critical inspection item vehicle violations. Those vehicles were restricted from further travel until the critical violations could be properly addressed.

Inspectors identified 330 vehicles with 20% brake violations; meaning 20% or more of the vehicle’s (or combination of vehicles) service brakes had an out-of-service condition resulting in a defective brake. That was the top Brake Safety Day violation, accounting for 57.9% of all brake-related out-of-service violations.

Other violations

They found other brake violations on 256 (44.9%) of the vehicles inspected. Examples of other brake violations include worn brake lines/hoses, broken brake drums, inoperative tractor protection system, inoperative low-air warning device, air leaks, hydraulic fluid leaks, etc.

Seventy-three had steering-related brake violations – 12.8% of all brake-related out-of-service violations.

In 2023, 10% – 88 vehicles – of the 894 vehicles inspected in Canada were placed out of service for brake-related violations. CVSA inspectors inspected 6,829 vehicles throughout Canada, Mexico and the U.S. Inspectors found brake-related critical vehicle inspection items on 11.3% of the vehicles inspected, indicating those vehicles were unfit and unsafe for roadways. They restricted those 773 vehicles from travel until the violations were corrected.

Focus on lining/pad health

This year, emphasis was placed on brake lining/pad health and safety. Brake lining/pad issues may result in violations or out-of-service conditions and may affect a motor carrier’s safety rating. Inspectors found 108 power units and 66 towed units with lining/pad violations.

A total of 114 brake lining/pad violations were discovered on power units. The top brake lining/pad violation on power units was for contamination, with 48 violations.

Seventy-one brake lining/pad violations were identified on towed units. Twenty-three of the violations were for cracks/voids in the linings/pads – the top brake lining/pad violation on towed units.­­

Braking efficiency

Nine U.S. jurisdictions with performance-based brake testers (PBBT) utilized them. A PBBT is a machine that assesses the braking performance of a vehicle. U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and CVSA’s North American standard out-of-service criteria require a minimum braking efficiency of 43.5%. If the vehicle’s braking efficiency is below 43.5%, it’s not providing the minimum stopping power required and needs to be serviced.

Eighty-eight PBBT inspections were conducted. Four (4.5%) failed to meet the 43.5% minimum braking efficiency required and were placed out of service.

U.S. numbers

Thirty-seven U.S. jurisdictions participated in this year’s event. There were no brake-related out-of-service violations on 3,411 of those vehicles. However, 448 were placed out of service for brake-related violations, which is an 11.6% vehicle out-of-service rate. Additionally, 74 power units and 46 towed units had brake lining/pad violations.

In Mexico, 18 Inspections were conducted. Thirteen of those vehicles did not have any brake-related out-of-service violations. However, five were placed out of service for brake-related violations – a 27.8% vehicle out-of-service rate. Additionally, inspectors identified one lining/pad violation on a power unit and two on towed units. CVSA’s seven-day Brake Safety Week is scheduled for Aug. 25-31.