Every time a commercial truck hits the road, faulty brakes could be putting lives in danger. The thought of a massive truck barreling down the highway without the ability to slow down or stop is terrifying.
Yet despite laws meant to ensure safety, faulty brakes in many commercial trucks—such as 18-wheelers, tractor-trailers, and semis—pose a daily risk on our roads, according to a recent truck inspection blitz.
Coordinated in jurisdictions across North America by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), inadequate brake linings/pads were discovered in over 150 power and towed units, highlighting the importance of regular brake checks for safety and accident prevention.
Truck safety is critical in Texas, where the number of fatal truck accidents has increased by 85 percent over 10 years (2011-2021), according to federal data. In and around Athens, TX, deadly truck accidents have occurred on Loop 7, US 175, and FM 1616.
Inspection blitz highlights faulty brake truck accident risk
Although it is unclear how many deadly accidents are directly linked to faulty brakes in Texas truck accidents, it's a dangerous hazard. CVSA's Operation Airbrake inspections sought to promote brake maintenance education among drivers and industry stakeholders as well as reduce highway crashes caused by brake system failures through roadside inspections.
Common types of brake-related truck accidents
Faulty truck brakes can lead to several types of dangerous accidents on the road. Here's a list of common types of accidents caused by brake failures in trucks:
- Rear-end collisions. When a truck's brakes fail, the driver may be unable to stop in time, leading to a collision with vehicles in front. Due to the truck's weight and momentum, these types of accidents can be severe.
- Jackknife accidents. If the brakes on the trailer lock up but the truck itself keeps moving, the trailer can swing around to form an acute angle with the truck, resembling a folding knife. This can be extremely dangerous for surrounding traffic.
- Collisions at intersections. Faulty brakes can prevent a truck from stopping at traffic signals or stop signs, leading to potential collisions with cross traffic at intersections.
- Loss of control accidents. Ineffective brakes can lead to a loss of control over the vehicle, especially on curves or slippery roads, resulting in single or multi-vehicle accidents.
- Rollovers. If a driver attempts to compensate for poor braking by making sudden maneuvers, the truck can tip or roll over, particularly if it is carrying a heavy or unevenly distributed load.
- Underride accidents. A common and deadly form of accident occurs when brake failure causes a smaller vehicle to collide with a truck and slide underneath it, potentially resulting in severe injuries or fatalities due to the lower vehicle's roof being crushed.
Brake Safety Day Operation Airbrake inspection results
Nearly 5,000 commercial motor vehicle inspections were conducted over Brake Safety Day in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. From these inspections:
- Nearly 450 vehicles were placed out of service due to brake-related violations, translating to an 11.6 percent vehicle out-of-service rate for brake issues. Specifically, on Brake Safety Day, 74 power units and 46 towed units were found with brake lining/pad violations, which required immediate remediation before these vehicles could be allowed back on the road.
- About 330 commercial motor vehicles had 20 percent or more of their service brakes with out-of-service conditions, making defective brakes the leading cause of brake-related out-of-service violations.
- In total, brake-related issues led to 58 percent of all out-of-service violations that day.
- More than 250 vehicles also exhibited other brake problems, including worn brake lines/hoses and broken brake drums.
- Brake lining/pad violations were particularly prevalent, with 114 instances found on power units, primarily due to contamination, and 71 on towed units. Cracks/voids were the most common issue.
Get justice for your East Texas truck accident
Injured in a truck accident in East Texas due to faulty brakes or some other form of negligence? Let Weinstein Law in Athens, TX, fight for your rights.
Led by attorney Jeff Weinstein, our legal team rigorously collects all critical evidence, from truck maintenance records to black box data, to build a strong case for the maximum compensation you deserve.
With decades of trusted experience in Henderson County, Jeff is committed to achieving a resolution that covers all your expenses, from ongoing medical bills to lost wages.
Schedule your free consultation with Jeff, the East Texas truck accident attorney who puts your needs first. Contact us today.
"Jeff Weinstein is a superior Attorney with knowledge & expertise in Accident & Injury Law. My husband & I were in an accident while back. He took care of us thru insurance & connected us with a chiropractor that straightened us up. Highly recommend!" - Bev