After witnessing the massive devastation a single truck accident can cause, it is often sad to think how a proper pre-trip inspection could have prevented all that.
The dangers that trucks and other heavy equipment pose on the road should never be underestimated.
That is why you should conduct a Record360 inspection on your entire fleet regularly.
Why a Pre-Trip Inspection Is Important?
Pre-trip inspections have a lot of benefits for any fleet company, including:
- Avoiding delays
- Reducing the risks of serious accidents
- Gain insights on potential issues
- Minimize damage expenses
- Solve damage disputes by providing solid evidence from photos and videos
- Avoid fines due to failing safety audits
The following are some of the steps needed in a proper pre-trip inspection:
1. Conduct a Pre-Trip Inspection Process from Front to Back
Streamlined inspections must cover every part of the truck, from one end to the other. This means you should not cut any corners while conducting these manual processes.
Every section of the vehicle is important, whether the driver’s cabin or the bulkhead.
A detailed Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) checklist can be useful here.
2. Utilize Technology to Conduct Digital Inspections
Technology saves time and money while ensuring the safety inspection is done as thoroughly as possible.
If you can ensure a user-friendly interface and a seamless integration of various software with your process, you can use technology to boost the efficiency of various inspection tasks.
3. Adhere to Fleet Management Best Practices
Sticking to fleet management best practices during inspections, such as monitoring driver behavior to foster safety, will improve the quality of your pre-trip inspection and boost customer trust.
4. Consider DOT Inspection Requirements for Tires
Tire blowouts are a common cause of many truck accidents. As such, stick to the DOT requirements for tires regarding pressure and minimum thread count.
5. Don’t Forget the Tug Test and Medical Kit Inspection
Finally, take time to do a tug test, especially if you plan on hauling heavy loads. Also, have a look at the medical kit to ensure that all the required medication and equipment are available and in working condition.
There is so much more to motor vehicle inspections than mentioned here.
If you are concerned about your vehicle’s condition, schedule a demo to solidify your inspection process.
