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Brake Safety Week 2020: Protecting Against Catastrophic Truck Accidents

Home » Blog » Brake Safety Week 2020: Protecting Against Catastrophic Truck Accidents

by | Jul 26, 2020 | Motor Vehicle Accidents

With an 18-wheeler weighing 20 times heavier than the average passenger vehicle, it’s no wonder that collisions between the two can end in catastrophic injuries for occupants of the latter. Perhaps you were in one yourself and suffered a traumatic brain injury here in Tampa, Florida. There are several ways that truckers can be negligent, and it’s not always behind the wheel either.

CVSA Schedules Brake Safety Week

Truckers must inspect their rig before every shift and maintain the various components, especially the brakes. To help truckers, mechanics and fleets better understand the importance of brake safety and performance, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance has designated August to be Brake Safety Awareness Month.

The CVSA even holds an annual brake inspection spree called Brake Safety Week to put out of service any trucks that have violated brake regulations. For 2020, this event will be held in August, from the 23rd to the 29th. While inspectors will check every brake component, they will pay closer attention to the brake hoses and tubing. These are supposed to be flexible, appropriately attached, free of damage, and free of leaks.

Brake Safety Tends to Get Overlooked

Brake safety seems more neglected than in other areas. Brake system and adjustment violations were behind 45.1% of the out-of-service orders handed out during the CVSA’s 2019 International Roadcheck. No other violations were so widespread. During the 2019 Brake Safety Week, 13.5% of the trucks pulled over for inspection were issued OOS orders.

Some of the faults, perhaps, can be laid on fleets if they do not encourage a safety-minded culture. Fleets can, after all, differ from one another in their practices, training methods and so on.

A Lawyer to Help While You Recover

Cases involving truck collisions can end in large settlements since the injuries tend to be severe and long-term. You may be compensated for past and future medical expenses, a diminished capacity to earn a living, pain and suffering, and more. If you hire a lawyer, he or she may give your case personal attention and negotiate for a settlement on your behalf. Don’t navigate the complexities of a truck collision case alone. Reach out to our experienced team for personalized legal assistance.