Operation Airbrake
Operation Airbrake is a comprehensive program dedicated to improving commercial vehicle brake safety throughout North America. The goal is to reduce the number of highway crashes caused by faulty braking systems on commercial motor vehicles by conducting roadside inspections and educating drivers, mechanics, owner-operators and others on the importance of proper brake inspection, maintenance and operation.
Out-of-adjustment brakes and brake-system violations combine to represent half of all out-of-service violations issued for commercial motor vehicles on the road. Brake systems that are improperly installed or poorly maintained can reduce the braking capacity and stopping distance of trucks or buses, a serious safety risk.
This Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) model has been used successfully in other areas of traffic concerns (most notably seat belt usage), and has been adapted to address the issue of brake violations. The Operation Airbrake campaign was initially developed in Canada in 1998.
Inspection Items
- Driver’s license
- Registration
- Low air warning device
- Pushrod travel (adjustment)
- Brake linings/drums
- Air loss rate (if leak detected)
- Tractor protection system
Operation Air Brake Inspection Procedure
Step 1: Choose the inspection site
Step 2: Safety considerations
Step 3: Check air brake mechanical components
Step 4: Check steering axle air brake mechanical components
Step 5: Build the air pressure to 90-100 psi
Step 6: Check brake adjustment
Step 7: Check the tractor protection system
Step 8: Check the air brake ABS system (if applicable)
Step 9: Test low air pressure warning device
Step 10: Test air loss rate
Step 11: Finalize paperwork and provide the results to the driver (e.g., out-of-service, etc.
Sources: Operation Airbrake and Operation Airbrake Inspection Procedure.
