Every driver knows that pre-trip inspections are important. However, the driver shortage, tight deadlines, and hours of service (HOS) regulations can make many drivers feel compelled to rush through the process in favor of getting on the road faster. Unfortunately, while completing more trips in less time will yield more money, it can also cause safety and fiscal problems.

The following are the most significant elements that underscore the importance of comprehensive pre-trip inspections:

  1. Driver safety is always a leading concern for the transportation industry. Failing to ensure that a load is truly secure, that tires have adequate tread with proper inflation, or that brakes are fully operational can lead to major hazards down the road. Taking the time to check these things can prevent accidents and save lives.
  2. Performing extensive pre-trip inspections can identify small issues before they become big, expensive problems. This gives drivers the opportunity to have repairs performed in a shop, which are infinitely less expensive than those performed on the road are.
  3. Truck drivers can’t make money if their trucks are sidelined due to preventable problems. For example, truck drivers who are unaware of an issue are more likely to get in an accident, putting their vehicle out of service to fix the damage from the crash as well as whatever problem caused it in the first place. Pre-trip inspections keep drivers on the road, improving their bottom line.
  4. The law requires drivers to confirm their vehicles are in good operating condition before getting behind the wheel. If an inspector learns the driver skipped the pre-trip inspection, he or she can issue the driver a violation, hurting their CSA score.

Truck drivers can be found liable if their truck is involved in a serious accident that causes injuries or damage, especially if it was due to an issue a pre-trip inspection would’ve flagged. Pre-trip inspections help reduce this liability as they alert drivers to problems and give them an opportunity to fix them before hitting the road. Considering that pre-trip inspections only take 15 to 30 minutes at most, they are well worth the effort.

Investing in telematics solutions can help as well. DriverCheck provides comprehensive GPS monitoring services that track vital safety information as well as provide maintenance alerts and reports to keep fleets aware of their vehicles’ conditions at all times. Contact us to learn more.