Normas sobre el rendimiento de los frenos en vehículos

Explicación Simple

Esta ley dice que todos los vehículos deben poder detenerse de manera segura cuando se presiona el freno. Dependiendo del tipo de vehículo, hay reglas específicas sobre cuánta fuerza deben tener los frenos y cuánto espacio necesitan para parar.

Es como cuando cocinas y necesitas que el fuego esté en la temperatura adecuada. Si el fuego está muy bajo, la comida no se cocinará bien; lo mismo pasa con los frenos: deben funcionar correctamente para que el vehículo se detenga a tiempo.

Ejemplo Práctico

Imagina que Juan conduce su camioneta por la ciudad. De repente, ve un semáforo en rojo y presiona el freno. Gracias a que su vehículo cumple con esta ley, logra detenerse a una distancia segura sin problemas. Si sus frenos no fueran efectivos, podría haber causado un accidente.

Texto Original del Estatuto (Inglés)

SECTION 56-5-4860. Performance ability of brakes; tests for deceleration and stopping distances. Every motor vehicle and combination of vehicles, at all times and under all conditions of loading, upon application of the service brake, shall be capable of: (a) Developing a braking force that is not less than the percentage of its gross weight tabulated herein for its classification, (b) Decelerating to a stop from not more than twenty miles per hour at not less than the feet per second tabulated herein for its classification, and (c) Stopping from a speed of twenty miles per hour in not more than the distance tabulated herein for its classification, such distance to be measured from the point at which movement of the service brake pedal or controls begins. Tests for deceleration and stopping distance shall be made on a substantially level (not to exceed plus or minus one per cent grade), dry, smooth, hard surface that is free from loose material. Classificationof Vehicles Braking force at a percentage of gross vehicle or combination weight Deceleration in feetper second Brake System application and braking distance in feet from an initial speed of 20 m.p.h. Passenger vehicles with a seating capacity of ten people or less including driver, not having a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating 52.8% (B-1) All motorcycles and motor-driven cycles 43.5% (B-2) Single unit vehicles with a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less 43.5% (C-1) Single unit vehicles with a manufacturer's gross weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds 43.5% (C-2) Combination of a two-axle towing vehicle and a trailer with a gross trailer weight of 3,000 pounds or less 43.5% (C-3) Buses, regardless of the number of axles, not having a manufacturer's gross weight rating 43.