From September 16 to 22, commercial motor vehicles across New York and the rest of the U.S. will be subjected to a brake inspection spree. The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance conducts this inspection spree, called Brake Safety Week, once a year as a way to ensure that truckers routinely check their brakes and maintain them according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Good brakes mean more efficient braking, which can prevent rear-end collisions and other accidents. In its effort to keep the public safe on the roads, the CVSA will be conducting mostly Level I inspections, which are the most comprehensive. Some of the things that inspectors will be looking for are loose parts, worn-out linings and pads, defective rotors and air or hydraulic fluid leaks.

CMV drivers should also make sure they have the required brake-system warning device. Inspectors could also check the air chambers and air reservoirs. Trucks that have out-of-adjustment or defective brakes will be put out of service.

During last year’s brake inspection spree (which lasted one day rather than a week), 14 percent of trucks that were inspected were put out of service. Brake violations tend to make up a majority of the violations during another CVSA event, the three-day International Roadcheck. This year’s Roadcheck took place from June 2 to 4.

When faulty brakes are to blame for a truck accident, the driver’s trucking company could be held liable for the injuries and property damage sustained by the victim. The victim can, first of all, consult a lawyer about filing a claim, and if the lawyer finds that the victim was not at fault or only partially at fault, he or she could take on the case. Attorneys could handle the negotiation phase and prepare for a courtroom trial if an informal settlement cannot be agreed upon.