It’s time for another annual CVSA Brake Safety Week. The DOT will be out in force all over the country checking brakes and brakes and more brakes. Be prepared! Brake Safety Week 2023 runs from August 20th through August 26th.
HOW CAN I PREPARE FOR THIS BLITZ?
Do your pre-trip inspections! DOT officers won’t just check your brakes. You need to be confident that all your equipment is in working order. Check again mid-trip. If there was ever a time to be very very thorough on your vehicle inspections, it’s now.
WHAT IF I KNOW MY TRUCK HAS EQUIPMENT PROBLEMS?
Get it in the shop if you can. If not, do a little research on mechanic services on your route. If you’re handy, bring some extra tools and supplies. The last thing you want is to be stuck out of service and waiting for hours to get one mechanical problem fixed.
MY BRAKES ARE GOOD! HOW CAN I CAPITALIZE?
The drivers and carriers who have built up a good safety score with the DOT will be waived through while folks with bad scores will get stopped for more inspections than ever. Now is the time to capitalize if you have a good safety score. Go chase those lucrative loads! Your hard work to build up a good score will shine especially bright in this blitz week.
YIKES! I ALREADY HAVE AN INSPECTION!
Don’t panic. One inspection report won’t sink the ship. Read over everything carefully, especially in the “Violations” section. You need to make sure of 3 things:
- Give the report to your safety manager. They need to sign off on it and mail it back to the DOT.
- Double-check the violations. Are they all accurate? If not, you might be able to fight the incorrect ones!
- Make a note to fix any mechanical problems ASAP. The only thing worse than an equipment violation is a harsher violation for not fixing it.
THIS INSPECTION IS WRONG. HOW CAN I FIGHT IT?
Call CDL Legal. Our team of CSA experts can help you navigate the DOT laws to challenge any incorrect violations or other discrepancies on your inspection report. We want to keep your record as clean as possible. If you have questions about your inspection or you safety score, please let us know.
CDL LEGAL | 888-819-4836 | info@cdllegal.com
