Traffic Accident Reconstruction: Air Brake Systems
Tractor-trailer Air Brake Systems
Commercial tractor-trailers are equipped with a braking system that utilizes compressed air rather than fluid. The benefit of using compressed air is that it allows the truck to be connected or disconnected quickly from the trailer without running the risk of contaminating the brake system. If air were introduced into a hydraulic system, it would deteriorate the overall braking efficiency of the vehicle. Although air brake systems are used instead of hydraulic systems on tractor-trailers for safety reasons, they are not free from being susceptible to problems that may result in inadequate braking.
The most common cause of a braking problem stems from a lack of maintenance or calibration. Poor maintenance or calibration can lead to longer braking distances, trailer swing-outs and even jackknifing. Other problems may result from mechanical defects or even improper repairs. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations require motor carriers to regularly inspect, repair and maintain its motor vehicles to ensure that they are in a safe operating condition at all times. Our accident reconstructionists can gather critical information about a vehicle’s braking ability/efficiency by inspecting the commercial trucks.
The information gathered about the overall combination of parts and an inspection of the accident scene can allow the accident investigator to calculate the overall braking efficiency of the tractor-trailer. The significance of this is that the combination of mechanical parts, the vehicle’s load, driver’s interaction and roadway environment are all taken into account accurately.
A good understanding of how an air brake system works is essential in reconstructing a traffic accident involving a commercial truck/tractor. Identifying the cause of a braking problem is a tedious task that requires the expertise of a highly trained professional. The engineers at Atlanta Engineering Services have the expertise and training that enables them to answer questions about maintenance, calibration, repairs, defects, speed, braking, etc. so that our clients can make an informed decision about which direction to go with their case.