The three Maritime provinces are partnering on an upcoming initiative to promote road safety in the commercial trucking industry.
Provincial Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officers will be conducting airbrake inspections and information sessions for the trucking industry on Wednesday, August 30, between 10:00 hrs and 15:00 hrs, at the Borden-Carleton Scales Facility. This event is part of Operation Airbrake, an international initiative undertaken to promote road safety as part of Brake Safety Week which runs from August 27 through until September 2.
Operation Airbrake is designed as an educational opportunity for members of the trucking industry to increase awareness about key aspects of brake system safety such as brake adjustments and air leaks. Members of the trucking industry will be encouraged to participate by submitting their vehicles for voluntary brake inspections. Volunteer brake technicians from the trucking industry will be on hand to assist in making any required safety upgrades to braking systems before vehicles can proceed from the site.
“Education is key to raising the bar on road safety, and having a safe, quality brake system is one of the most important ways to ensure safe driving for everyone,” said Transportation and Public Works Minister Gail Shea. “Activities like Operation Airbrake give an opportunity for greater cooperation between industry and governments throughout the region to advance road safety in the commercial trucking industry. We appreciate the continuing support from the trucking industry through events like this to help improve road safety for everyone.” The Department of Transportation and Public Works is pleased to partner with the PEI Truckers Association, PEI Heavy Construction Association, PEI Road Builders Association, and the PEI Trucking Sector Council on this worthy project.
“Having safe roads is in everyone's best interest, and we are pleased to work with government on this initiative that focuses the day on education rather than enforcement. As an Industry, we are happy to do our part to achieve a safer work environment for everyone,” said Heather MacLean from the PEI Trucking Sector Council.
Minister Shea emphasized the importance of regional cooperation to address safety issues in the commercial trucking industry, noting that Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officers from both New Brunswick and Nova Scotia will be participating in the Operation Airbrake event.