Nationwide News: Make pre-trip vehicle inspections part of farm fleet routine

The following information is provided by Nationwide®, the No. 1 farm and ranch insurer in the U.S.*

Ensuring the safety and reliability of your vehicles is essential. While scheduled preventative maintenance by qualified technicians is crucial, safety-critical components can still fail unexpectedly between inspections.

To address this, consider implementing daily pre-trip inspections for your drivers. By using a checklist, they can identify any defects or issues that arise between scheduled maintenance, reducing the risk of accidents or roadside breakdowns. Regular checks empower drivers to keep vehicles in optimal condition and enhance safety.

Fleet inspection checklist

While the pre-inspection checklist you adopt for your drivers may vary based on your vehicles and your company’s business needs, here are some typical items you may wish to include:

• Tire pressure: Temperature changes of 10 degrees can cause tires to lose 1 pound per square inch of pressure. Low tire pressure affects stopping distance and gas mileage.

• Tire tread depth: Insufficient treads increase risk of hydroplaning on wet surfaces.

• Car lights: Headlights, turn signals, and brake lamps enhance visibility for drivers and pedestrians.

• Windshield wipers: Excessively worn wipers reduce visibility in rain or snow.

• Cabin temperature: Properly functioning controls prevent distraction.

• Emergency equipment: Ensure all emergency equipment is functional and fully stocked.

• Windshield glass: Address chipped or cracked glass promptly.

• Mirror swivel mounts: Ensure mirrors are properly tight and adjusted to cover blind spots and avoid collisions.

• Department of Transportation-regulated vehicles: Familiarize yourself with driver inspection requirements for regulated vehicles.

Benefits of pre-trip inspections

Besides the role it plays in protecting people and property, having your drivers conduct routine pre-trip inspections can result in:

• Reduced delays: Prevent breakdowns.

• Early problem detection: Identify issues before they escalate.

• Profitability awareness: Spot fuel-consuming and tire-related problems.

• Reduction of Safety Measurement Systems basic scores: Lower your Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration maintenance basic score.

If your organization has always made safety a priority, that will significantly influence drivers’ willingness to perform pre-trip inspections. To ensure a smooth introduction of your checklist to fleet personnel, consider the following:

• Educate supervisors and drivers: Explain the benefits of pre-trip inspections, including reduced downtime and easier repair scheduling.

• Design practical inspection forms: Collaborate with maintenance teams or local service centers. Create user-friendly forms tailored to your fleet.

To learn more, visit MyNSightOnline.com/drive-the-5.

*A.M Best Market Share Report 2023 Nationwide, the Nationwide N and Eagle, and Nationwide is on your side are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. © 2024 Nationwide