Institute for Safer Trucking

08/28/2026

Underride crashes are among the most devastating collisions on our roads, but many are preventable.

Strong, effective underride guards can help stop a passenger vehicle from sliding beneath a large truck or trailer during a crash, reducing the risk of severe injury or death.

Safer trucks mean safer roads for everyone. Strengthening underride protection is one critical step toward getting there.

08/26/2026

A dangerous carrier shouldn’t be able to escape its safety record simply by changing its name.

Yet “chameleon carriers” can rebrand, restructure ownership, or change registration details to reenter the trucking industry under a new identity, allowing high-risk operators to continue operating with little interruption.

Data shows these carriers may be up to four times more likely to be involved in serious crashes.

Stronger oversight and better systems for identifying repeat offenders are critical to keeping unsafe carriers off our roads.

08/25/2026

🚨 It's Brake Safety Week!

August 23–29, 2026 is CVSA Brake Safety Week, and inspectors across North America will take a closer look at CMV brake systems — with special attention on brake drums and air disc brake rotors.

Before you roll, check:

➡️ Brake hoses & tubing — chafing, kinks, cracks, leaks
➡️ Pushrod travel & slack adjusters — excessive travel or improper operation
➡️ Brake linings, pads & shoes — excessive wear or damage
➡️ Drums & rotors — cracks, excessive wear or structural damage
➡️ Air system — listen for leaks and verify proper operation

Find it before the inspector does. Fix it before you get on the road.

America’s Roads Depend on Pros.

08/25/2026

Conducting pre- and post-trip inspections can prevent major road hazards.

Be sure to complete your inspections before hitting the road. Watch for the most common and problematic things such as tires and brakes.

Make sure your load is well-balanced and secure so you, your load, and other road users are as safe as possible.

08/25/2026

08/23/2026

Brakes are one of the most critical safety systems on any commercial vehicle. This week serves as an important reminder to stay ahead of inspections, maintenance and repairs before a problem puts lives at risk.

Safe brakes. Safer trucks. Safer roads.

08/21/2026

A worn hose, low coolant level, or faulty radiator cap may seem like a small issue, but under summer heat and heavy loads, it can quickly turn into overheating, a roadside breakdown, or a dangerous situation.

Before hitting the road, take a few minutes to inspect your cooling system and look for signs of leaks, cracks, wear, or damage.

The Dave Fons Memorial Fund for the Advocacy of Truck Safety

08/21/2026

Could a few extra minutes during your pre-trip inspection save you hours of downtime?

CVSA Brake Safety Week is Aug. 23-29, with inspectors placing special emphasis on brake drums and rotors. But safe brake inspections aren't just for one week each year.

In our latest blog, we cover:
• What to expect during Brake Safety Week
• Five key brake checks every driver should know
• Why reporting issues early helps keep you safe and moving

Read the full blog and get ready for CVSA Brake Safety Week 2026: https://heyor.ca/MR4OsE

08/19/2026

The trucking industry has changed dramatically since 1980. The federal minimum insurance requirement for interstate motor carriers has not.

For decades, the minimum has remained at $750,000 per event, even as medical care and the financial consequences of serious truck crashes have risen significantly. Adjusted for medical-cost inflation, that amount would have exceeded $5 million in 2024.

Updating minimum insurance requirements isn’t just about keeping pace with rising costs. Higher minimums could encourage greater insurer oversight of motor carriers while helping ensure there are adequate resources available when a serious crash occurs.

Families affected by truck crashes shouldn’t be left facing today’s costs with insurance standards set more than four decades ago.

It’s time for trucking insurance minimums to catch up.

08/17/2026

A tire blowout can happen in seconds, but the conditions that lead to one can build over miles.

Proper tire inflation is an important part of keeping a truck safe and road-ready. Underinflated tires can generate excess heat, increase wear, and raise the risk of tire failure, especially during hot summer conditions.

Make tire pressure checks part of your regular inspection routine. Catching a problem before the wheels start rolling can help prevent a breakdown or a serious crash.

Check the pressure. Protect the tire. Help keep our roads safer.

The Dave Fons Memorial Fund for the Advocacy of Truck Safety