Each year over a million deaths occur in road traffic accidents. Other than the carelessness and bad driving skills of the driver and poor road conditions, mechanical failure, poor maintenance of the vehicles and bad tyre conditions have a major contribution to this scary number of deaths.
What is meant by Daily Vehicle Inspection?
Daily vehicle inspection is a procedure used to detect any mechanical defects in the vehicles. The main reason why this inspection is carried out is to encourage a better level of safety and compliance in commercial vehicles and to avoid operating vehicles with defects which can cause an accident or result in the breakdown of the vehicle while operating on the highway.
In many countries, it is a federal law that requires drivers to check commercial vehicles before taking the vehicle out on the road.
If any defects are detected during the inspection and the vehicle does not meet all safety standards, then it should not be driven until the repairs are made.
The inspections that are named on the inspection checklist are those that the Transportation Department inspects at stations and safety checkpoints.
What to inspect in a vehicle and how to carry out the inspection?
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Engine:
Look for leaks in the radiator, check the level of coolant and tighten the radiator cap. Check the fan for any bent blades. Check brakes, engine oil, clutch, power steering. Check the battery for any cracks or corrosion. Look for any leaks or damage.
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Interior:
Check seat arrangements and make sure they are in the correct posture. Align the mirrors at the correct angle. Test seat belts for any wear and tear. Make sure that the vehicle has the proper documentation such as registration certificate, logbook and insurance papers.
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Start the Engine:
Make sure that no unusual sounds are coming from the engine and the engine is running smoothly. Check the accelerator and windshield wipers. Test the brake pressure and for any abnormal noises when the clutch is engaged.
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Exterior:
Walk from the passenger side of the vehicle towards the driver side and check all the tyres for pressure, cuts and wear, and rims for any damage. Check headlights, brake lights, indicators. Verify that the license plates are visible.
A daily inspection report is valid for 24 hours from the time written on the report.
A Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR) is a report that has to be completed every day by the drivers of any commercial vehicle. At the start of the day, a driver must check the last completed DVIR and if there are any defects identified on the report then those need to be taken to taken care of before the driver drives the vehicle. At the end of the day, the driver needs to check all the components of the vehicle and complete this report and note if any defects are identified.
The federal laws require that these reports should be kept in records for three months.
Electronic DVIRs can be completed using a smartphone or tablet, this encourages drivers to properly inspect the vehicle. Electronic DVIRs will reduce paperwork and be stored easily.
With an inspection checklist of the vehicle, a company will have a procedure of regular inspections to make sure the vehicles are safe and fit for use. Proper inspections can be profitable for the company.
Read Also: What is a Restricted Operators Licence?
Ways how daily inspection benefit a business are:
- Less cost on gas. If there is any problem that causes an increase in the fuel consumption of the vehicle, then the vehicle could be using more gas which results in a higher operating cost. Daily checking of the vehicles can be helpful to avoid such problems.
- Less insurance cost. Operating a defective vehicle can lead to accidents and breakdowns. Conducting daily vehicle inspections keeps the drivers from driving faulty vehicles and reduces the chances of accidents and injuries, this can help the company to avoid paying compensation to workers.
- Extends the vehicle’s life. Regular checking and maintenance of the vehicles can reduce the cost of repairs and maximize the value of the vehicle and extend its life.
- Preventive maintenance. This prevents small problems to grow into bigger and dangerous issues. If it is not kept in check then the vehicles may be damaged beyond repair.
- Less liability exposure. Federal laws require businesses to inspect vehicles before using them. These inspections will protect businesses from government penalties. The inspection records will protect the owner from fine in case of an accident.
- Better satisfaction of customers. A good customer review is important for the reputation of the company. Vehicles that are in good working conditions will be considered reliable; deliveries will be done within time. This will help to build a positive experience for customers which in a result will attract more customers.
Each and every company must take road safety seriously and imply different methods to ensure the safety of their vehicles and drivers so that they can reach the destination safely. Proper and thorough checking of a vehicle will approximately take 30 minutes to an hour but think about the impact it can have on the safety of the driver and the vehicle. Every day pre-use checks can help in an effective way to recognize potentially harmful problems in the vehicles.