Who is responsible for ensuring that the brakes of a vehicle are in working order before operation?

The driver is primarily responsible for ensuring that the brakes of a vehicle are in working order before operation. This accountability stems from the driver's direct control and operation of the vehicle. It is critical for drivers to perform pre-trip inspections, which include checking the brake system to ensure it functions properly.

While the vehicle maintenance team plays a role in the routine and ongoing maintenance of the vehicle to keep it in good repair, it is ultimately the driver who is responsible for the immediate safety checks prior to driving. A supervising officer may be involved in various oversight functions, but is not typically tasked with checking vehicle components before each operation. Passengers, on the other hand, do not have any responsibility regarding the vehicle's mechanical condition; their focus is on safety while inside the vehicle rather than its operational status.

Understanding this responsibility emphasizes the importance of pre-trip inspections in promoting road safety and preventing accidents that may arise from brake failure.