A big part of fleet management is lowering risk - and risks arise every time a fleet driver gets into a vehicle. So it’s a demanding job!
A crucial step in minimising risk is to insist on regular pre-trip inspections — particularly for heavy vehicles like trucks and buses, but also for regular cars. Such inspections will help you avoid road incidents, admin backlogs, and sudden budget blowouts while keeping drivers out of harm’s way.
In this blog, we explain why pre-trip inspections are important, and provide a checklist for your drivers to follow.
A pre-trip inspection is exactly what it sounds like: a thorough check of a fleet vehicle before a driver takes it on the road. They should be conducted before each and every trip.
Why do these inspections?
For one, they help you comply with the law. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA), your fleet vehicles are considered workplaces. That means you are liable for ensuring each one adheres to proper safety standards.
Secondly, beyond compliance, pre-trip inspections improve driver safety. The inspections will alert you to brewing mechanical issues well before they become true hazards.
Pre-trip inspections also help you track trends. With insight into your most common vehicle problems, you can determine whether specific drivers or maintenance providers are overlooking key aspects of vehicle checkups and contributing to fleet risk.
Pro-tip: It’s easier, faster, and more secure to complete these inspections with digital tools rather than pen and paper. This helps drivers keep accurate records and report to fleet managers instantly, while avoiding fleet downtime.
All these items should be covered in every pre-trip inspection to verify your vehicles’ readiness for the road.
1. Odometer readings
2. Key safety features
3. Tyres and wheels
4. Lights and reflectors
5. Fluids and vehicle engine
6. Vehicle battery
7. Brakes
8. Windscreen wipers and mirrors
9. Steering and horn
Pre-trip inspections are a critical part of keeping your fleet running and making it secure. Have fleet drivers follow the checklist before every trip, and you’ll lower risk, costs and downtime. Most importantly, you’ll keep your drivers protected.
Could outsourcing your fleet risk management save you money?