Brake Safety Week is August 23–29, 2026, and commercial motor vehicle inspectors across North America will be placing an increased emphasis on brake systems and brake-related violations.
Organized by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) through its Operation Airbrake program, Brake Safety Week is an annual inspection and enforcement initiative designed to improve commercial vehicle safety and reduce the number of brake-related violations on our roadways.
For professional drivers, it’s also a good reminder of something that matters every day of the year: a thorough pre-trip and post-trip inspection can make a difference.
2026 Focus: Brake Drums and Rotors
This year, inspectors are placing special emphasis on the condition of brake drums and rotors.
Problems with these components can negatively affect a vehicle’s braking efficiency. Broken or damaged pieces can also become dislodged from a commercial motor vehicle and create a serious hazard for other motorists.
During roadside inspections, inspectors will be looking closely for brake system violations and may place commercial motor vehicles out of service when qualifying brake-related violations are discovered.
What Should Drivers Look For?
Before hitting the road, drivers should pay close attention to visible portions of brake drums and rotors during their normal inspections.
Some of the conditions to watch for include:
- Cracked or broken pieces in the friction surface of the rotor
- Cracks extending through the outer portion of the drum
- Missing pieces or other visible damage
- Heavy rust across the rotor’s friction surface
- Grooves that may indicate metal-to-metal contact
- Excessive rotor wear
- Damage or wear that does not meet manufacturer specifications
Any brake-related concerns identified during an inspection should be documented and reported so they can be addressed appropriately.
Don’t Wait for Brake Safety Week to Prioritize Safety
While Brake Safety Week brings additional attention to commercial vehicle brake systems, proper inspections and preventative maintenance should be a priority every time a truck hits the road.
A few extra minutes spent completing a thorough inspection can help identify potential problems before they become larger maintenance concerns—or safety hazards.
For professional drivers, that means knowing your equipment, paying attention to changes in how your truck is operating, completing thorough pre- and post-trip inspections, and communicating maintenance concerns as soon as they arise.
Safety at Kennesaw Transportation
At Kennesaw Transportation, we believe taking care of our drivers and equipment goes hand in hand with taking care of everyone we share the road with.
Our professional drivers play an important role in that commitment every day. From thorough inspections to communicating maintenance needs and making safe decisions behind the wheel, their attention to detail helps keep our fleet—and our highways—moving safely.
As Brake Safety Week approaches, we encourage all drivers to give their brake systems an extra look and continue practicing the safety habits that matter every mile, every load and every day.
Ready to Experience the Kennesaw Difference?
At Kennesaw Transportation, we’re committed to providing our drivers with newer, reliable equipment, consistent miles, competitive pay, and a team that puts safety first.
If you’re an experienced Class A CDL driver looking for a company you can build a career with, we’d love to hear from you.
🚛 Ready to get started? Explore driving opportunities with Kennesaw Transportation and apply today.
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Brake Safety Week: August 23–29, 2026
Stay safe out there, drivers!
Source: Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), Operation Airbrake – 2026 Brake Safety Week
