Brake Safety Week 2026 will take place August 23–29, 2026, across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Organized by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) to improve commercial vehicle brake safety.

Key Details

• Dates: August 23–29, 2026
• Primary Focus: Brake drum and rotor condition
• Vehicles Inspected: Commercial motor vehicles, including large trucks and buses.
• Inspection Locations: Weigh stations, roadside inspection sites, and other enforcement locations
• Enforcement Action: Vehicles found with brake-related out-of-service (OOS) violations may be removed from service until repairs are completed.

Focus Area: Brake Drums and Rotors

Inspectors will place special emphasis on the condition of brake drums and rotors, looking for issues that can compromise braking performance, including:

• Cracks
• Missing or damaged sections
• Excessive wear
• Heavy rust or corrosion
• Deep grooves indicating metal-to-metal contact.
• Exposed center vents showing rotor wear beyond acceptable limits.

Defective drums and rotors can lead to reduced braking efficiency, component failure, and increased crash risk.

Why Brake Safety Week Matters

Brake violations remain one of the leading causes of commercial vehicle out-of-service orders during roadside inspections.

Key industry findings show:

• Brake-related defects account for a significant percentage of OOS violations.
• Many brake violations are preventable through routine inspections and maintenance.
• CVSA also conducts an unannounced Brake Safety Day during the year, emphasizing the need for continuous compliance rather than seasonal preparation.

What Inspectors Look For

During inspections, enforcement personnel may assess:

• Brake drum and rotor condition.
• Brake adjustment.
• Air brake system operation
• Missing, damaged, or improperly installed components
• Evidence of excessive wear or unsafe modifications

All repairs should meet the manufacturer’s specifications and applicable regulatory requirements.

Preparation Tips for Fleets and Drivers

To reduce the risk of violations and out-of-service orders:

1. Conduct Thorough Vehicle Inspections

• Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections consistently.
• Pay close attention to drums, rotors, pads, linings, and air brake components.

2. Address Defects Immediately

• Repair brake issues as soon as they are identified.
• Do not defer safety-critical maintenance.

3. Maintain Accurate Records

• Keep maintenance and inspection documentation current.
• Ensure Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIRs) are completed and retained as required.

4. Focus on Year-Round Compliance

• Treat Brake Safety Week as a benchmark rather than a deadline.
• Establish ongoing preventive maintenance programs.

Medallion Transport & Logistics is proud to support the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s Steel Across America Tour through the efforts of its long-time agent, Freedom Transport, a preferred carrier helping transport a historic piece of steel from the World Trade Center across the country in honor of the 25th anniversary of September 11.

Medallion Transport & Logistics is proud to support the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s Steel Across America Tour through the efforts of its long-time agent, Freedom Transport, a preferred carrier helping transport a historic piece of steel from the World Trade Center across the country in honor of the 25th anniversary of September 11.

It’s that time of year again. The midwest, northeast, mountain areas in the west and more are already experiencing winter weather, including snow, sleet and hail which make driving conditions challenging, especially for truck drivers.

Medallion Transport & Logistics put together some tips to help keep truck drivers and owner-operators prepared and safe on the road.

Pre Trip Inspections are Crucial

It is always important to do a proper pre trip inspection, especially tire inflation due to constant changing temperatures during wintry conditions. Slow down and give yourself plenty of space.

Brake and accelerate slowly, most equipment is outfitted with ABS brakes but in the event you have equipment that does not have ABS- pump and release brakes lightly until you slow to a manageable speed.

Black ice can be one of the most dangerous winter conditions you may encounter.

Things you may notice when encountering black ice:

• Ice build-up on mirrors, antennas, or windshield wipers
• The spray from tires on others will stop

If the road conditions get too bad sometimes the best thing to do is to get off the road and take a break.

Don’t Leave Without These

When traveling in colder climates you never know what you may encounter.
Here are some things to remember/bring:

• Carry and wear proper clothing
• Bring an extra flashlight (or two)
• Extra food and water
• A bag of salt or sand
• Jumper cables
• Tire chains (especially if running in the northwest)
• Try to keep your fuel tanks full

More Tips

Here are more winter trucking tips from our COO, Jesse.

Questions? Contact Medallion Transport & Logistics

Medallion Transport & Logistics is committed to driver support and safety, especially when it comes to maintenance including regular inspections. We offer our freight agents and owner operators a national tire purchase program and emergency road service, although preventative maintenance for safety and to avoid any down time is always encouraged. For questions about driver safety, give us a call at 704-235-0460 or send us an email to info@medalliontrans.com.