QUEEN’S PARK, Ont. – The Ontario government is finally set to roll out improvements to its air brake program for commercial vehicles – ironically on April Fool’s Day.

“We welcome the opportunity to work closely with the bus and truck industries, and our road safety partners to revise and enhance the components of the air brake program,” says Transportation Minister Brad Clark. “Improving Ontario’s already excellent road safety record continues to be one of the government’s top priorities.”

Among the changes to the air brake program are: new standard 12-hour air brake course; new edition of The Air Brake Handbook based on the new curriculum; revised knowledge tests (for upgrades and renewals); revised ministry practical test; and revised air brake instructor’s course.

A review of the air brake endorsement program was one of the recommendations related to commercial driver licensing made by Target ’97, a task force to examine truck safety, and the Bus Industry Safety Task Force.

The new program focuses on upgrading commercial drivers’ knowledge and understanding of air brake systems.

“This joint government-industry effort will have a positive impact on vehicle compliance and road safety by raising the standards for air brake training,” says David Bradley, president of the Ontario Trucking Association. “We are pleased to work with the Ministry of Transportation to enhance commercial vehicle safety and support the implementation of the new air brake endorsement program.”

Air brake instructors in the driver certification program were re-certified and ministry driver examiners were retrained to deliver the new practical test.