WAVERLY, N.S. – Brake Safety Week will be hitting the Maritimes at the end of August, with day-long events planned for Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. The annual event, which takes place across North America, involves Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance-certified officers conducting brake system inspections to educate drivers on proper brake inspection, maintenance and operational practices.

Individual events will take place at the Borden Scales in Prince Edward Island Aug. 28, the Kelly Lake Scales in Nova Scotia Aug. 29, and the Salisbury Westbound Scales in New Brunswick Aug. 30.

Paul Cormier, training and outreach officer with Transportation and Public Works Nova Scotia, says that the three participating Atlantic Provinces will be focusing on simply educating the public through voluntary inspections.

“It’s an educational day and we’re looking to build our relationships with the trucking industry,” says Cormier, who will be supervising and liaising with coordinators during the events in Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia.

As an added incentive to encourage drivers to participate, the Nova Scotia Trucking Human Resource Sector Council will be hosting a barbecue at the event at Kelly Lake. A private trucking company will also be providing a free mechanic who will be on-site to conduct minor brake adjustments. In addition, safety association members like Linda Corkum, executive director of the Nova Scotia Trucking Safety Association, will be on-hand to provide information on safety in and around trucks. Industry stakeholders will be providing a similar service in New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. Cormier says the Nova Scotia-based event has enjoyed excellent participation in recent years with the focus steering towards education.

“(We’re) looking for voluntary compliance rather than targeting individual trucks, and giving them a ticket,” Cormier says. “That’s not the purpose of the day. Let’s ask some questions, let’s talk about why your brakes aren’t adjusted, let’s have the provided mechanic make the appropriate repairs if needed, let’s talk about what the requirements are, and let’s have a hot dog and share a cup of coffee.”