SWIFT CURRENT, Sask. — As part of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance's (CVSA) annual Brake Safety Week, Saskatchewan enforcement officers have been conducting "Operation Air Brake" inspections Aug. 25-27 at the Beverly Weigh Scale on Highway 1 near Swift Current.
Brake Safety Week brings together enforcement agencies from Canada, the United States and Mexico to conduct roadside inspections, promote industry education and remove unsafe commercial vehicles from roadways. In Saskatchewan, the initiative is supported by Saskatchewan Highway Patrol, RCMP and Ministry of Finance Revenue Division inspectors, working alongside road safety partner SGI to promote commercial vehicle safety and compliance on Saskatchewan highways.
According to Sask. Community Safety, "Operation Air Brake" focuses on identifying brake-related safety violations and educating drivers on the importance of proper brake inspection, maintenance and operation. This year, inspectors will place particular emphasis on brake drums and rotors, which play a critical role in vehicle braking performance, the agency says.
The importance of these inspections was recently reinforced during CVSA's annual International Roadcheck campaign in May. During the 72-hour initiative in Moosomin, officers conducted 319 commercial vehicle inspections, resulting in:
- 84 vehicles passing inspection; and
- 116 vehicles requiring attention.
A total of 119 vehicles were placed out of service. The results highlight the ongoing need for targeted commercial vehicle enforcement and education to help prevent collisions and improve safety for all road users, according to Sask. Community Safety.
"SGI works alongside enforcement partners to help keep Saskatchewan roads safe," Auto Fund Vehicle & Driver Programs at SGI Executive Vice-President Karol Noe said.
"Commercial vehicle safety plays a critical role in preventing collisions. We want everyone who is travelling on Saskatchewan roads to return home safely to their loved ones."
