WASHINGTON Times change and years roll by but one thing doesnt seem to go out of fashion brake problems on over-the-road trucks and buses.

More than half of the commercial motor vehicle out-of-service violations cited during roadside inspections are for brake-related violations, according to Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance Roadcheck 2011 data.

The data suggest that much more education and awareness is needed to improve brake maintenance on commercial vehicles, says CVSA.

Last month, CVSA worked with drivers, mechanics and others during Brake Safety Week to improve knowledge, regulatory compliance and performance of commercial motor vehicle braking systems.

"Ultimately, brakes are a major factor in being able to operate a commercial vehicle safely, yet they continue to be cited as one of the leading factors in crashes due to defects and improper maintenance and adjustment," said Stephen A. Keppler, CVSA executive director.

"One of the major goals of Brake Safety Week is to educate drivers, mechanics and others on the importance of proper adjustment, maintenance and operation to ensure every commercial vehicle is operating safely, and, ultimately, to save lives," Keppler added.

During Brake Safety Week, CVSA-certified inspectors, brake suppliers and industry partners conduct enforcement and education activities with drivers and mechanics at truck stops, weigh stations and other locations.

The week-long campaign is part of an ongoing CVSA effort, called Operation Air Brake, aimed at improving inspection, compliance, maintenance and performance of commercial vehicle braking systems throughout North America.

It is conducted with and supported in part by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

"FMCSAs strong partnership with law enforcement nationwide is about raising the bar for safer trucks and buses. To do that, FMCSA proudly joins with our state law enforcement partners to conduct Brake Safety Week," said FMCSA Administrator Anne S. Ferro.

CVSA is the international alliance of local, state, provincial, territorial and federal motor carrier safety officials and industry representatives from the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Among other things, it develops the vehicle inspection criteria used by safety regulators and enforcement personnel across North America.