Government, Trucking Industry Offer Free Brake Inspections

Thousands of truckers across North America will take advantage of free brake checks during the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance's Brake Safety Awareness Week.

Nova Scotia will hold its check Tuesday, Sept. 13, at the Kelly Lake Vehicle Compliance Station on Highway 102, near the Halifax Stanfield International Airport. Vehicle inspectors from the three Maritime provinces will provide free checks for truckers who stop in from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

"Research consistently demonstrates that drivers and mechanics are in need of more education and awareness of how braking systems operate and how to inspect and maintain them," said Dan Leopold, director, vehicle compliance for the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. "Those who come to the brake check will see first hand how specially trained inspectors check vehicles for critical safety violations and how important brakes are to the safe operation of large trucks."

Safety literature and refreshments will be provided. There will not be any enforcement action taken during the event. Its purpose is education and inspection, and to improve highway safety.

Similar events are being held in New Brunswick and P.E.I. For more information on Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance's Brake Safety Week, visit www.cvsa.org/programs/op_airbrake.aspx .