To help prevent large-truck crashes, State Patrol will join 'Operation Air Brake/Brake Safety Week' beginning Sunday

September 6, 2012

The Wisconsin State Patrol will strive to prevent large-truck crashes by participating in "Operation Air Brake/Brake Safety Week" sponsored by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) from Sunday, September 9 to Saturday, September 15.

In conjunction with other law enforcement agencies throughout North America, the State Patrol will intensify their inspection efforts during the week to identify faulty braking systems on large trucks and other commercial motor vehicles. Besides examining braking systems, State Patrol inspectors also will educate drivers, mechanics and commercial motor vehicle companies about the importance of checking brakes routinely and properly maintaining them.

According to CVSA, out-of-adjustment air brakes and brake system defects are the major reason for commercial motor vehicles being placed out of service. Even in ideal conditions, the braking distance for commercial motor vehicles is twice as far as that for most cars and other smaller vehicles. Poorly adjusted or defective brakes increase the risk to the operator and occupants of the commercial motor vehicle as well as all other motorists on the road.

A combination of effective law enforcement and safety education has helped improve commercial motor vehicle safety in Wisconsin during the last 10 years. In 2011, large truck crashes declined approximately 25 percent compared with 2002. Moreover, large-truck crash fatalities dropped from 127 in 2002 to 75 in 2011, which was a 41 percent reduction.

For more information, contact:
Captain David Pabst, Wisconsin State Patrol
(608) 267-3622, david.pabst@dot.wi.gov