This year’s CVSA Operation Airbrake Program will hold two annual safety campaigns: Brake Safety Week, taking place August 23–29, and an unannounced one-day brake inspection event that may occur at any point during the year.
Known as Operation Airbrake, this initiative focuses on improving commercial vehicle brake safety through education, inspections, and enforcement. “The goal is to reduce the number of highway crashes caused by faulty braking systems on commercial motor vehicles by conducting roadside inspection and educating drivers, mechanics, owner-operators and others on the importance of proper brake inspection, maintenance, and operation.” (Source)
CVSA Brake Safety Week 2026
Brake Safety Week is “a seven-day focused inspection and enforcement initiative designed to improve safety by ensuring commercial motor vehicles on our roadways are operating with properly maintained and functioning braking systems.” (Source)
During this week, certified inspectors in the United States, Canada, and Mexico will closely examine commercial vehicle brake systems and components, including drums and rotors. Inspectors may place vehicles with brake-related violations or other mechanical issues out of service until the necessary repairs are complete.
A properly functioning brake system is important for keeping both truck drivers and the public safe. While commercial vehicle brakes can withstand demanding operating conditions, they still require routine inspections and maintenance to perform at their best.
Safety Reminders for Brake Safety Week
Brake-related violations consistently make up the largest percentage of out-of-service citations issued during these commercial vehicle roadside inspections. Improperly installed or poorly maintained brake systems reduce their performance, increase stopping distances, and create serious safety risks for truck drivers and everyone else on the road.
To help avoid violations, all drivers and owner-operators should perform thorough pre-trip and post-trip inspections. It’s always important to make sure every brake component is working properly before heading out on the road. Brake Safety Week not only helps identify unsafe vehicles, but also educates the trucking industry on the importance of proper brake inspection, maintenance, and operation.
For more brake safety tips and ways to avoid violations, browse our other Brake Safety Week content:
Brake System Inspection Tips
How to Avoid Brake Violations
10 Brake Lining and Brake Pad Tips
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