HAVE YOU CHECKED YOUR BRAKES TODAY?

Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation, SGI and the Saskatchewan Trucking Association have teamed up to improve commercial vehicle brake safety.

These provincial agencies are taking part in Operation Air Brake, a program of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA). Operation Air Brake will involve CVSA certified inspectors conducting air brake inspections on commercial vehicles. Truck drivers will be informed about the importance of proper brake inspection, maintenance and operation.

As part of the program a "Brake Check Day" will take place in three locations around the province: the Lloydminster inspection station located on Highway 16 (in conjunction with Alberta Transportation); the Melfort inspection station located on Highway 6; and the North Portal port of entry location on Highway 39 (in conjunction with the North Dakota Highway Patrol).

In addition to three Brake Check locations, a fourth location at the Regina Husky Truck Stop on Highway 1 East in Regina, will have brake inspection demonstrations and educational material for drivers on proper brake operation, how to recognize potential brake problems, and the need for properly maintained brakes.

These events are intended to provide truckers with a learning experience that will enhance safety on the highways.

"Brake-related defects on large commercial vehicles are a significant safety concern for truckers and other motorists that share our highways," Highways and Transportation Minister and Minister Responsible for SGI Maynard Sonntag said. "Operation Air Brake is key in helping to reduce the number of infractions and accidents related to faulty braking systems."

In 2003, brake violations comprised the largest percentage (27 per cent) of major defects which resulted in trucks being placed out-of-service during roadside inspections in Saskatchewan.

CVSA Brake Check Days are conducted across North America annually. The CVSA is an association of state, provincial, and federal officials responsible for the administration and enforcement of motor carrier safety laws in the United States, Canada and Mexico. It is a not-for-profit organization, established to promote an environment free of commercial vehicle accidents and incidents.

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For More Information, Contact:

Kirsten Leatherdale Highways and Transportation Regina Phone: (306) 787-8484 Cell: (306) 536-9692