Closing Argument
Transcript: Brake Drums that have reached the maximum service diameter are more susceptible to rising heat because there are less drum mass available to absorb the heat Closing Argument As stated in the Highway Accident Report, they believe that the mechanic lacked the proper training in brake maintenance and inspections, did not detect the poorly adjusted or inoperative brakes on the trailer, and did not perform recommended maintenance Brake shoe lining thickness and brake drum diameters should be adjusted regularly to ensure that each part of the brake pad is taking a proportionate amount of the wear of stopping the vehicle. The Highway Accident Report stated that the brake shoe lining on the rig was in compliance with standards, with the exception of the Fifth Wheel on the right. The brake drum diameters were also measured and none exceeded Manufacterer's maximum thickness, they were all approaching it. The First and Fourth tire on the right, as well as, The Fifth on the left exhibited rust The Tractor Trailer Involved In Our Accident Was Registering A Temperature Of Over 800 Degrees AVERAGE TEMPERATURE OF BRAKES ON EXIT RAMP Ace Trucking Is At Fault For Accident When Investigators Tested Tractor Trailer's Emergency Brake, Only The Fifth Wheel On The Right Locked, The Fourth Wheel On The Right And The Fifth Wheel On The Left Were Free Rolling According to the Highway Accident Report, a dust cover protecting the brake drums and springs would have reduced the chance of corrosion to the springs and drums, prolonging the life of the brake parts and the life of the brakes Tractor Trailer Air Brake Dust Covers Conclusion From Highway Accident Report Brakes Were Improperly Maintained Conclusion Emergency Brake HOW TO LOWER TEMPERATURE? Based on the Inspection conducted by the Missouri Division of Motor Vehicles and Railroad Safety after the accident, the truck would have received a rating of a 4 instead of a satisfactory score After Accident Inspection Mechanic's Training The National Transportation Safety Board Determines That The Probable Cause Of The Accident Was The Truck Driver's Inability To Stop The Tractor Semi-Trailer At The Stop Sign At The Bottom Of The Ramp Due To The Reduced Braking Efficiency Of The Truck's Brakes, Which Had Been Poorly Maintained And Inadequately Inspected. Contributing To The School Bus Passenger's Injuries During The Side Impact Were Incomplete Compartmentalization and Lack Of Energy Absorbing Material On Interior Surfaces EFFECTS OF IMPROPERLY MAINTAINED BRAKES State Police Investigators Did An Air Brake Inspection 4 Weeks After The Accident, Stopping The Trailer At Speeds Of 20 And 40 MPH, Only The Brakes On Fourth Axle Left Side And Fifth Axle Right Side Locked, The Other Wheels Were Free Rolling With Brakes Fully Applied PROPERLY MAINTAINED EMERGENCY BRAKES