Brake-related out-of-service violations increased again in 2014, according to the latest Brake Safety Week enforcement campaign by the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Alliance. Bad brakes are also one of the top causes of truck accidents, as stopping distances for trucks is much greater than cars, especially on wet roads or if brake systems are not maintained.
Our attorneys have seen it many times. Many truck companies that put their bottom lines ahead of public safety will let brake systems in their fleets fall by the wayside. They will push truckers to rush through their pre-trip inspections, thus skimming over brake issues and bald tires to get loads to their destinations quicker (read, cheaper).
While the responsibility of healthy brakes lies first and foremost with trucking companies — which by law must ensure their trucks have the proper working equipment and their drivers do thorough pre-trip inspections — automakers continue to develop welcome technology that’s aimed at preventing truck accidents related to braking issues.
Volvo seems to be leading the pack, with its new “Collision Warning/Early Braking system.”
Take a look at this great video, which shows a Volvo truck loaded with 40 tons of cargo, that stops by itself on a dime:
Here’s another video with insight into the Volvo braking technology:
This new Volvo braking technology could very well prevent tragic wrecks stemming from bad brakes and be a benefit for everyone on the road.
