Brake check: Florida Highway Patrol conducts unannounced inspections

FLORIDA – The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) Office of Commercial Vehicle Enforcement (CVE) conducted a statewide unannounced brake check operation last week.

The inspections were part of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) “Operation Airbrake” program.

Operation Airbrake is dedicated to improving commercial vehicle brake safety throughout North America by reducing the number of highway crashes caused by faulty braking systems on commercial vehicles.

As part of FHP’s public safety mission, CVE Troopers routinely conduct inspections to ensure commercial vehicles traveling Florida roadways operate safely without causing harm to those who drive them or others on the road.

“The men and women of the CVE unit dedicate themselves to preventing commercial vehicle crashes caused by equipment failure or damage,” said Chief Jeff Dixon, FHP Chief of Commercial Vehicle Enforcement.

“One way to ensure fewer crashes is to proactively work with drivers to check that their vehicle is safe for travel.”

A total of 550 commercial vehicles checked during yesterday’s operation were subject to Level 1 inspections, including an examination of the vehicle’s brakes, tire pressure, load security, lights, logbook, and driver license, said the FHP.

Commercial vehicles not meeting inspection standards were classified as “out of service” until the operator made appropriate repairs.

To learn more about the FHP Office of Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, visit its webpage.