Hundreds of commercial trucks (including tractor-trailers and other large commercial vehicles) recently failed brake inspections as part of a nationwide campaign to make our roads safer and prevent truck accidents caused by defective truck brakes.
Over 500 commercial trucks removed from service
According to a report by Transport Topics, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) organized the recent nationwide commercial truck brake inspection. In a single day, inspectors in 37 jurisdictions in the United States conducted 4,898 commercial truck brake inspections.
Based on those inspections, 570 commercial trucks (11.6 percent total) were found to have “critical” brake problems that required the trucks to be removed from service and taken off the road until such brake problems were fixed, according to Truckers News.
Critical brake violations found in commercial trucks
The inspections revealed a troubling array of brake violations in commercial trucks, each posing serious safety risks on the road. Among the violations were:
- Malfunctioning brake lights: Brake lights that don’t work or operate improperly can prevent other drivers from knowing when a truck is slowing down or stopping, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions.
- Steering-related brake problems: These issues make it difficult to control the truck while braking, leading to dangerous situations, especially in emergencies or when navigating tight turns.
- Non-functional brake air warning devices: These devices are crucial for alerting drivers to low air pressure in the brake system. When they fail, drivers may be unaware of a critical issue until it’s too late.
- Worn brake pads: Thin or damaged brake pads reduce a truck’s ability to stop effectively, leading to delayed braking and increased chances of accidents.
- Broken brake hoses or lines: Damaged hoses or lines can prevent the brakes from functioning properly, causing a significant loss of braking power and endangering everyone on the road.
- Hydraulic brake fluid leaks: Leaks in the hydraulic system can severely reduce braking efficiency, making it difficult to stop the truck in time to avoid a collision.
- Broken brake drums: Essential for slowing down and stopping, broken brake drums compromise the entire braking system, increasing the risk of crashes.
- Brake air leaks: Air leaks in the braking system can lead to a complete loss of braking power, especially in air brake systems commonly used in large trucks.
Types of truck accidents caused by brake failure
When a truck’s brakes fail, the results can be devastating, leading to serious and often fatal accidents. Some of the most common types of truck accidents caused by brake failure include:
Rear-end collisions
When brakes fail, a truck may be unable to stop in time, especially in heavy traffic. This often results in the truck crashing into the vehicle in front of it, leading to severe injuries or fatalities due to the sheer size and weight of the truck.
Jackknife accidents
Brake failure can cause a truck’s trailer to swing out to the side, forming an angle with the cab. This jackknifing effect can block multiple lanes of traffic and lead to multi-vehicle pileups, causing extensive damage and serious injuries.
Rollover accidents
A truck with faulty brakes may be unable to slow down safely, particularly when navigating curves or making turns. This can cause the truck to tip over, resulting in a rollover accident involving multiple vehicles and leading to catastrophic outcomes.
Underride accidents
When a truck’s brakes fail, smaller vehicles behind it may not have enough time to react, especially if the truck’s brake lights aren’t functioning. This can lead to underride accidents, where a car becomes trapped underneath the truck’s trailer, often with fatal consequences.
Runaway truck accidents
On steep inclines or declines, brake failure can cause a truck to gain uncontrollable speed, leading to runaway truck accidents. These accidents are particularly dangerous as the truck may plow through intersections, barriers, or other vehicles, causing widespread destruction.
T-bone collisions
Brake failure at intersections can result in the truck running a red light or stop sign, causing a T-bone collision with another vehicle. These side-impact crashes can be devastating, especially for drivers and passengers in smaller vehicles.
Think a truck accident claim is straightforward? Think again.
Truck accidents caused by defective brakes or negligent truck drivers in Alabama might seem straightforward at first glance. You might assume that simply contacting the trucking company or their insurer will resolve everything. But the reality is often far more complicated—many truck accident claims quickly become complex legal battles.
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