The wide-spread introduction of performance-based brake testing technology in the United States is imminent. Initial work has been completed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A subsequent study currently being conducted by U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) indicates that the use of this technology by regulatory bodies is likely.
The implications for fleet use of performance-based brake testing is two fold. First, immediate economic pay-back can be achieved by incorporating this technology into maintenance practice. Secondly, upon the implementation of performance-based brake testers by regulatory authorities, fleets who have already adopted and understand this technology will have no difficulty complying with new regulations.
