After A Delivery Truck Rolled Downhill In Chappaqua, Investigators Made A Concerning Discovery: NYSP

CHAPPAQUA, NY — State Police say that a recent collision in Westchester County should serve as a reminder that proper brake maintenance is critical to keeping the roads safe.

Police say, a box truck was parked on a hill in Chappaqua, while the driver made a delivery. After setting the parking brake and exiting the vehicle, the truck rolled forward and struck another vehicle.

A followup inspection conducted by members of the New York State Police Troop K Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit (CVEU) determined that a dislodged roller pin (a critical brake system component) allowed the brake actuator rod to separate from the slack adjuster, preventing one of the truck’s brakes from functioning properly, according to NYSP. The inspection also revealed that the truck’s rear brakes were significantly out of adjustment, leaving the vehicle with the equivalent of only 1.5 properly functioning brakes out of four, police said.

Due to these critical safety violations, the vehicle was immediately placed out of service, according to NYSP.

"Incidents like this serve as an important reminder that routine maintenance and thorough brake inspections are essential," NYSP said in a statement. "Identifying worn or damaged components and correcting brake adjustment issues before they result in a failure helps prevent crashes and protect everyone who shares our roadways."