WASHINGTON, D.C. – Examined your air brakes lately? You better this week as truck enforcement officials will be out in full force checking trucks for sub-standard brakes.

More than 50 percent of out-of-service violations cited during roadside inspections were are for brake-related violations, according to Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) Roadcheck 2011 data.

CVSA is working with drivers, mechanics and others for Brake Safety Week until Sept. 17, to enhance knowledge, regulatory compliance and performance of commercial vehicle braking systems.

"Ultimately, brakes are a major factor in being able to operate a commercial vehicle safely, yet they continue to be cited as one of the leading factors in crashes due to defects and improper maintenance and adjustment," said Stephen A. Keppler, CVSA’s executive director.

Throughout the week CVSA-certified inspectors, brake suppliers, and industry partners conduct enforcement and education activities with drivers throughout Canada and the U.S. and mechanics at truck stops, weigh stations and other locations.

This campaign is part of the ongoing CVSA effort, called Operation Air Brake.

In addition to conducting roadside inspections, enforcement will be deploying performance-based brake testers in participating jurisdictions and at a number of inspection locations.

CVSA developed two portable brake adjustment demonstration models that have been used throughout the year at industry events to demonstrate and illustrate the importance of proper brake adjustment.

There are many other educational components that are part of the Operation Air Brake Campaign, to include a web-based training program geared toward drivers and technicians, as well as instructional guides and handbooks.

This Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) model was developed and initiated by Canada in 1998.