Brake Safety Week 2025: What Drivers and Fleets Need to Know
Every year, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) conducts Brake Safety Week to raise awareness about the importance of proper brake maintenance and to identify vehicles operating with critical violations. For 2025, Brake Safety Week is scheduled for August 24–30, with inspectors across North America conducting thousands of roadside checks.
This year’s focus will be on brake drums and rotors — components that play a crucial role in safe stopping distances and overall vehicle control.
Why Brake Safety Matters
Brakes are the most frequently cited violation category during roadside inspections. In fact, in past years, brake-related issues accounted for over 25% of all out-of-service (OOS) violations during CVSA enforcement campaigns.
For professional drivers and fleets, these statistics are more than just numbers:
Defective brakes increase stopping distance, raising the risk of collisions.
Uneven wear or cracks in drums and rotors can lead to sudden brake failure.
Vehicles placed out of service (OOS) due to brake violations mean lost time, lost income, and added costs for repairs and towing.
Maintaining your brakes isn’t just about compliance — it’s about protecting lives on the road.
What Inspectors Will Look For
During Brake Safety Week 2025, inspectors will pay close attention to:
Brake drums and rotors for cracks, wear, or missing pieces.
Air brake systems for leaks, defective hoses, or low air pressure.
Slack adjusters for proper travel.
Brake lining and pads for thickness and condition.
Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) functionality, when equipped.
Any critical issues may result in the vehicle being placed out of service immediately.
How Drivers Can Prepare
You can reduce the risk of violations — and more importantly, prevent accidents — by making brake checks a daily priority:
Pre-Trip Inspection
Listen for air leaks around hoses and valves.
Check brake drums and rotors for visible cracks or excessive wear.
Verify that slack adjusters move freely and evenly.
Inspect linings and pads for proper thickness.
On the Road
Pay attention to changes in stopping distance.
Notice unusual pulling, vibrations, or noises during braking.
Report and repair any issues immediately — don’t delay.
Fleet Maintenance
Schedule regular, thorough brake system inspections.
Replace worn or cracked components before they fail.
Train drivers to recognize early warning signs of brake trouble.
Safety Is Everyone’s Responsibility
Brake Safety Week is a reminder that brakes are the single most critical safety system on any commercial motor vehicle. Drivers, fleets, and maintenance teams all play a role in keeping vehicles road-ready.
By making brake inspections part of your routine and addressing issues right away, you not only avoid violations but also help ensure the safety of everyone sharing the road.
Takeaway: During Brake Safety Week — and every week — make brake safety a top priority. The cost of prevention is always less than the cost of an accident.
