After spending a fair amount of time inspecting commercial vehicles, there are certain defects that seem to follow you from unit to unit. Some are obvious, others, seem to hide from a cursory glance, requiring a driver or inspector to take a closer look at possible problem areas.

Brake problems are one of those issues that can be easy to overlook during the day-to-day operation of a commercial vehicle. A truck can start its day, travel hundreds of kilometres and appear to be operating normally, all the while developing a brake related issue that may not be found until it’s a much bigger issue.

A driver can spend months operating safely, only to have a roadside inspection reveal a defect that results in an out-of-service vehicle, costly delays, and an increased carrier profile risk score. While many drivers and carriers primarily associate inspections with enforcement actions such as tickets and penalties, roadside and scale inspections are an effective tool for improving highway safety. They help identify drivers and vehicles that may be only one failed component away from a serious incident, whether that defect is known or unknown to the operator.