Ensuring the safety of a driver and the safety of the general public
starts with a thorough pre-and post-trip inspection. The driver is
ultimately responsible to ensure that the vehicle being driven is in
safe operating condition. Appropriate inspection procedures and
reports assist in ensuring this. The driver is also in a position to detect
vehicle deficiencies and refer to maintenance for repairs. Listed below
are areas to cover in a pre-trip and post trip inspection.
Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (Post-Trip Inspections)
Drivers must prepare a written report at the completion of each days
work. The report must contain the following information:
- Service brakes , including trailer brake connections
- Parking hand brake.
- Steering mechanism
- Lighting devices and reflectors
- Tires
- Horn
- Windshield wipers
- Rear vision mirrors
- Coupling devices
- Wheels and rims
- Emergency equipment
The driver must list any defect that would affect the safety of operation or would result in a mechanical breakdown. If no defects are discovered, the driver must so indicate on the report. In all instances, the driver must sign the report, except that, in team operations, only one driver needs to sign the report, provided both drivers agree as to the defects or deficiencies.
Any defects likely to affect the safety of operation must be repaired and the motor carrier or agent must certify on the report that the defects have been corrected or that the correction is unnecessary before the vehicle is dispatched again. This report must be retained for three months from the date the report was prepared.
Pre-Trip Inspections
Before driving a motor vehicle, drivers must be satisfied that the vehicle is in safe operating condition , review the last inspection report, and sign the report , only if defects were noted , to ensure the repairs were made. The following parts and accessories should be inspected to ensure “good working order” prior to driving:
- Service brakes , including trailer brake connections
- Parking hand brake.
- Steering mechanism
- Tires
- Horn
- Windshield wipers
- Rear vision mirrors
- Coupling devices
Also, ensure that the following emergency equipment is in place and ready for use:
- Fire extinguishers
- Spare fuses
- Warning devices
Some vehicle deficiencies cannot be detected by daily inspection procedures and need to be addressed by periodic inspections and preventative maintenance procedures. Requirements for company-owned equipment also apply to leased owner-operators and other leased equipment, if controlled for 30 days or more. The DOT requires that motor carriers “shall systematically inspect, repair and maintain, or cause to be systematically inspected, repaired and maintained, all motor vehicles subject to its control.” This ultimately makes the motor carrier responsible for ensuring that owner-operator equipment is well maintained.
Source: Friday Safety Brief