August Is Brake Safety Awareness Month
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Participating Motorist Assurance Program (MAP) member service facilities are hosting free brake safety inspections during Brake Safety Awareness Month. During the month of August, many member facilities across the country will help teach local drivers about proper brake system safety and maintenance. Many shops will offer safety awareness inspections that will provide consumers with a free check of the thickness of their brake pads and linings, plus an opportunity to learn proper brake system care and vehicle maintenance.
Industry research shows most drivers do not know enough about proper brake system care. This free brake care event will help drivers become more aware of the importance of checking their brakes. The overall goal of this campaign is to reduce the number of incidents/crashes caused by faulty braking systems on all types of vehicles through education and outreach to drivers, the media, technicians and others. The main focus will be on the importance of proper brake inspection, maintenance and operation.
“We welcome all drivers to come and learn first hand about proper brake system and vehicle care,” said Joe Henmueller, president, MAP. “And, August is a perfect time to have your car’s brakes inspected. In a few weeks, the back-to-school driving routine begins. Soon, mom and dad are either shuttling students with full schedules, or maybe sending their teenager off to college in an older family vehicle. Then, before you realize it, the holidays and winter are lurking around the corner. Checking brake condition and ensuring brake safety now offers peace of mind.”
Brake Safety Week was pioneered by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance in 2005. In 2006, MAP embraced the program with a consumer component. 2012 saw the program expand from just a week to a full month.
MAP has developed invitations that can be branded for your shop to help you to engage your local media. These “Media Kits” include a communications plan, letters of invitation and guidelines for dealing with the media. While you’re not required to use the information, it is being provided to promote uniformity and consistency in message. These will be available in the BSAM section of the MAP website under the industry category.
To learn more about MAP, and to join so you can become a certified facility, visit motorist.org.
MAP’s mission is to address the important consumer need for improved communication between customers and auto repair facilities so customers understand what they agree to and know what they are getting. MAP provides motorists and the repair industry with a series of guidelines.
These guidelines give consumers the information they need to make educated decisions on repairs for their vehicles. Together, the customer and shop use MAP guidelines to agree on the work the shop will perform on the customer’s vehicle, thus eliminating confusion or mistrust. Repair shops participating in the Motorist Assurance Program agree to adhere to the MAP Pledge of Assurance to Customers, the MAP Standards of Service and to display a decal of participation.
