In the ever-evolving landscape of commercial trucking, staying informed about the latest technologies and practices is paramount for safety and compliance officers. These advancements play a crucial role in monitoring and enhancing brake safety within your fleet. Fred Fakkema, Vice President of Safety & Compliance at Zonar, sheds light on how telematics, GPS technology, brake wear sensors, and predictive maintenance can bolster brake safety across your commercial trucking operations.
Telematics and GPS Technology:
Telematics and GPS technology emerge as invaluable tools for safeguarding and enhancing brake safety in your trucking fleet. Fakkema emphasizes their pivotal role by stating, “GPS and telematics technology can assist with brake safety in many ways.”
For instance, employing an accelerometer within your fleet allows you to monitor brake safety effectively. This device detects hard acceleration and abrupt braking events, gathering essential data. This data can be conveniently accessed through a fleet management portal, enabling fleet managers to pinpoint where these incidents occur. Armed with this data, you can enhance driver performance and behavior through targeted coaching.
Integrating telematics and GPS technology into your fleet further enhances brake safety by identifying drivers exhibiting risky behaviors, such as:
- Excessive braking characterized by harsh braking.
- Prolonged brake usage.
- Failure to downshift when necessary.
- Leveraging this data empowers fleets to address these behaviors, collectively improving brake safety across the entire fleet.
Brake Wear Sensors and Predictive Maintenance:
Incorporating brake wear sensors and predictive maintenance technology represents a game-changer for fleet safety and operational efficiency.
Fakkema underscores the importance of brake wear sensors, stating, “Brake wear sensors provide a ‘real-time’ view of the brakes, assisting drivers in thorough pre- and post-trip inspections.” These sensors are especially critical in newer commercial motor vehicle (CMV) models where brake linings may not always be visible during inspections.
Predictive maintenance offers real-time analytics to prevent unexpected breakdowns on the road, allowing motor carriers to address issues before they escalate into costly maintenance problems. Repairing CMVs at terminals proves to be far more cost-effective than on the roadside. Additionally, fault detection aids in understanding what needs to be repaired when responding to incidents on the road, enhancing overall fleet safety.
Data Collection and Analysis:
Brake-related violations consistently rank among the top infractions in North America, underscoring the critical importance of prioritizing brake maintenance for all carriers. To enhance brake safety, fleet management software can collect various data points related to braking. Fakkema adds, “Brake force is an important data point that should be collected if available.” Technology such as the Performance Based Brake Tester (PBBT) aids in measuring brake force and is used nationwide by officers and inspectors.
Monitoring Driver Behavior:
Monitoring driver behavior, particularly concerning braking, is instrumental in identifying risky behavior patterns and enhancing overall fleet safety. Technology provides insights into hard braking and quick stops, enabling carriers to create driver scorecards and leverage gamification for performance improvement. Gamification incentivizes safe driving practices, encouraging drivers to adopt better braking habits.
Fakkema emphasizes, “Since brakes are always a top roadside violation, fleets should have technology to identify risky braking behavior. Hard braking can wear the brakes out sooner and cause wear and tear on the braking system, posing a safety risk and potential roadside violations.”
Embracing Technology for Enhanced Safety:
Brake safety stands as a vital aspect of fleet management in the trucking industry. By embracing telematics, GPS technology, brake wear sensors, and predictive maintenance, safety and compliance officers can proactively enhance brake safety, reduce maintenance costs, and ultimately save lives on the road.
Here are Fakkema’s top brake safety tips for commercial trucking fleets:
- Conduct Thorough Pre- and Post-Trip Inspections: Brake safety starts with rigorous pre- and post-trip inspections. Neglecting these inspections can lead to missed brake issues and potential safety hazards.
- Prioritize Brake Maintenance: Brake-related violations should not be among the top concerns for your fleet. Make brake maintenance a top priority to ensure the safety of your drivers and the public.
- Leverage Technology: Utilize available technology to its full potential. Monitor driver behavior and brake components to maintain a positive safety culture within your fleet.
As Fred Fakkema emphasizes, “You can’t just talk about it but do it” — take action to ensure the brake safety of your commercial trucking fleet.
