Brake Checks on Highway 102

Government inspectors will be out in force testing air brakes on trucks travelling Highway 102 on Brake Check Day, Wednesday, Sept. 6.

The inspections are part of a year-round program of announced and unannounced tests.

"Thousands of trucks traverse Nova Scotia highways every day and the majority of them are operating safely. But it only takes one truck with faulty brakes to cause a catastrophe," said Business and Consumer Services Minister Neil LeBlanc. "Our government promised to take steps to ensure the safety of our highways and to increase public awareness of highway safety issues. We're keeping that promise."

Inspectors will check the brakes on trucks stopping at the Kelly Lake weigh scales and compliance centre in Waverly between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. Inspectors will also be handing out pamphlets promoting vehicle safety. Truckers who pass the test receive a key chain and a ruler for their log books.

"Any vehicle that fails the test will be taken out of service on the spot," said Don Evans, vehicle compliance area co-ordinator for the Department of Business and Consumer Services. "The majority of trucks pass the test. Of those that fail, about 90 per cent require a simple adjustment to fix the problem. Once they pass the test, they can get back on the road and on to their deliveries."

In 1999, 320 trucks were inspected during three Brake Check Days, of which 50 were detained until they passed the test.

Brake Check Day is a continent-wide initiative promoting vehicle safety and is run in co-operation with the Commercial Vehicle Safety Association, an international association with branches in Canada, the United States and Mexico.