For the safety of everyone traveling on California roadways, the California Highway Patrol will focus on brake inspections and education for commercial vehicles during Brake Safety Week, Sept. 11-17.

The brakes and other safety equipment of commercial vehicles are inspected year-round throughout California.  However, during Brake Safety Week, the state’s 51 Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Facilities will operate at their maximum ability.  In addition to inspecting brake systems and other safety equipment on trucks and buses, they will check commercial driver licenses and registrations.  Many facilities will also hold educational events. Additional personnel will conduct mobile road enforcement, conducting inspections on all roads – federal, county, and state – in addition to the commercial vehicle facilities.

“In California, commercial drivers may deal with mountain passes, heavy freeway traffic, and hot weather – all especially challenging to their brakes,” CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow said. “The extra effort of Brake Safety Week, providing education and outreach as well as inspections, is essential for all drivers.”

During Brake Safety Week in California in 2015, 4,909 trucks and motorcoaches were inspected and 897 were taken out of service for brakes and other issues.

Brake Safety Week is a national safety campaign organized by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance.  Properly functioning brake systems are crucial to safe operation of commercial motor vehicles.  Commercial vehicle brakes are designed to hold up under tough conditions, but they must be routinely inspected and maintained carefully and consistently so they operate and perform properly throughout the vehicle’s life.

The mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security to the people of California.