The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has been conducting experiments to assess the braking performance of heavy duty vehicles for a number of years. Many different types of vehicles have been tested and various aspects of braking performance have been evaluated. Experiments have included full scale vehicle tests on the test track, laboratory measurements on systems and components and dynamometer tests of brake assemblies and linings. Tests have included those which measure the status quo, as well as those which evaluate modifications and hardware designed to improve braking performance.

This paper provides a brief history of the Heavy Vehicle Brake Program, discusses major program areas and presents some of the significant findings and conclusions