Fleet Safety Video Tip: Dealing With Brake Failure
In this video, AAA’s driving expert Bill Van Tassel offers advice on how to cope with sudden brake failure.


VIDEO: What to Do If Your Brakes Go Out
Editor's note: Photo courtesy of Kaptainkobold/Flickr.
Though brake failure is certainly a rare occurrence, all your fleet drivers should be familiar with procedures on how to respond to such a frightening driving emergency.
When brakes stop responding, some drivers mistakenly assume they should start pumping the brakes. But if the vehicle is equipped with anti-lock brakes, this isn’t the right step to take.
Here is a video, produced by DefensiveDriving.com, in which AAA’s Bill Van Tassel offers advice on how to cope with brake failure. He also explains the general difference between anti-lock brakes and regular brakes, and provides advice on how to slow down and eventually stop a car when all braking power is lost.
Click on the photo or link above to watch the video.
Originally posted on Automotive Fleet
More Safety & Compliance

Re-rating Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings (GVWR): Why and How it's Done
Sometimes, it is not in a fleet’s best interests to have a vehicle at a given GVWR. Changing the GVWR to a special value can be done, but the process is complicated.
Read More →
When a Work Truck Gets Stolen, the Real Loss Is Time
A stolen work truck can take more than a vehicle off the road. From tools and access cards to crew downtime, here’s how fleets can prepare for theft before it disrupts the entire workday.
Read More →
Volvo Trucks Marks 25 Years as Exclusive Sponsor of America's Road Team
Volvo Trucks North America will serve as the exclusive sponsor of the American Trucking Associations' America's Road Team, marking 25 years of Volvo sponsorship. The group of professional drivers promotes safety and the industry as they travel the country.
Read More →From Our Partners

Streamlight’s High-Output Scene Light Recognized with Occupational Safety Award
Streamlight’s Portable Scene Light III (PSL III) won the 2026 Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) New Product of the Year Award in the Lighting category.
Read More →
Fleetworthy Expands Expedited Inspection to 5 States
Following its industry-first launch in Nevada, Fleetworthy’s automated inspection technology is now live in California, Michigan, Vermont, and Maine.
Read More →
Crossing State Lines in a Light-Duty Work Truck? Check These Rules First
Crossing state lines in a lighter work truck? J.J. Keller's Kathy Close explains when IRP registration, trip permits, and towing rules come into play.
Read More →
GeoFencing Adds to Your Truck Security Arsenal
Geofencing is a familiar fleet tool today, but its early adoption marked a major shift in vehicle tracking, route monitoring, and the debate over employee privacy.
Read More →
Recalls You Need to Know About in October 2026
In October 2026, what recalls might impact your fleet? Work Truck has the answers in this comprehensive overview of recent NHTSA recalls.
Read More →
Construction Fleets Show Telematics Adoption Alone May Not Reduce Driving Risk
SambaSafety found construction fleets monitor roughly 92% of their vehicles but recorded the highest severe speeding rate among industries studied.
Read More →
Lytx Launches 360 Hub Kit for Expanded Fleet Camera Visibility
Lytx’s new AI-ready gateway and HD auxiliary camera ecosystem, the Lytx 360 Hub Kit, extends visibility across side, rear, cargo, and blind-zone views to help fleets see more and respond faster.
Read More →



