Last Updated on April 4, 2023 by Ossian Muscad
As a business owner, you must ensure your fleet’s safety while operating. A company vehicle safety checklist is the best strategy to reduce threats to your driver’s safety and guarantee the health of your fleet.
Read on to learn why you should conduct company vehicle safety inspections, the dangers of skipping the checklist steps, how to create a checklist, and what you should cover.
What is a Company Vehicle Safety Checklist?
A vehicle inspection checklist is a list of items to verify the vehicle’s condition. Checklists for company vehicle inspections reduce the possibility of accidents and improve safety documentation and responsibility. Every employee should make it a habit to go through the checklist before and after their shifts.
Fleet Maintenance Duties for Business Owners
You won’t be able to manage all of your fleet vehicles on your own when your company expands because you will likely be both the fleet manager and the business owner. However, asking your drivers to complete the vehicle inspection checklists for each car they drive will help. This can help you keep track of preventative vehicle maintenance concerns before minor problems turn into more expensive damage and keep fleet drivers safe.
At the beginning and end of each shift, request that drivers undergo a daily vehicle inspection. Coordination of fleet maintenance schedules and compliance are two additional benefits of this reporting format.
What Should Be Examined When Inspecting a Vehicle?
Your staff should perform vehicle inspections before each shift starts a normal fleet safety procedure. A regular car inspection checklist should contain several items.
Checklist for Exterior Car Inspection
What should you inspect as you get close to your car?
- Walk around the car and note any dents, dings, or other exterior damage. Verify the undercarriage for rust and damage.
- Running lights, turn signals, interior lights, headlights, and taillights should all be checked.
- To keep the wiper blades clean, check the windshield wipers and clear any dirt from the windows.
- Check the tires to see if they are filled. Verify that they have sturdy, noticeable treads.
- Check your mirrors; damaged mirrors might result in mishaps. Verify the quality of each mirror in and outside of your car.
Checklist for Internal Car Inspection
What should you look for inside the car?
- Check the fuel levels: Before every shift, check and note the fuel level. Record your initial mileage as well if it’s allowed by your policy (or your telematics system may do this for you automatically).
- Ensure there is enough brake fluid, steering fluid, and antifreeze in automobiles by checking the fluid levels.
- Test any backup cameras and beeps: Before leaving the lot, make sure any backup cameras and beeps on your cars are operational.
- Please ensure all seat belts are in good working order by checking them.
- Examine the brakes: Worn brakes might result in longer stopping distances and a greater likelihood of collisions. Verify the condition of the brakes.
- When you honk your horn, be sure it functions as it should.
- Check specialist equipment: Before beginning each shift, check any specific equipment your fleet vehicles may have (such as refrigerated units or lift ramps).
Checklist for Post-Shift Vehicle Inspection:
Similar checks and procedures after each shift. Many of the same places that were checked at the beginning of the shift should be checked again by the employee.
They should also verify and note the following:
- Fuel Levels: If it’s corporate policy, ensure all vehicles arrive at the yard with a full fuel tank at the day’s end. This makes it easier for the night shift or the following day shift to start driving.
- Mileage: If it’s a requirement of your fleet, note the mileage after the shift.
- Incidents from the shift: Ask your driver to be honest and add any unexpected occurrences they may have observed throughout their shift, such as a flickering light, a shuddering transmission, or driving over something on the road.
Implementing a Driver Safety Program for Your Company
A good driver safety policy will lessen the risk of car damage or personal safety, in addition to having a vehicle inspection checklist for every vehicle.
- Check the drivers’ records before hiring them for your fleet to ensure their licenses are current and have a good driving history. You might want to evaluate the drivers’ driving abilities depending on your vehicle fleet.
- Specify a series of actions and processes for your drivers to take in the case of an accident when creating an accident response process. Drivers must know what data to collect from accidents and who to call in the event of an occurrence.
- Create a program for vehicle maintenance: Budget for driver education and maintenance fund for continuous maintenance and repairs. Receive notifications when it’s time to inspect your vehicle’s exhaust system, windshield wipers, and emergency equipment.
- Install a fleet tracking system: These devices give you essential details about your vehicle (including engine oil levels, harsh braking and acceleration, speeding, idle times, and fuel efficiencies).
Human Factors in Fleet Safety
Your driver’s safety involves more than just fleet vehicle mechanical and structural inspections. Always enforce driving and pedestrian safety while in the parking lot, and mandate seatbelt use for employees in a moving vehicle.
Additionally, as part of your driver safety policy, consider the following other typical human-related dangers to discuss with your drivers:
Abusing Drugs
Even a small amount of alcohol or marijuana (if permitted in your state) can impair judgment to the point where an accident results. Put a “zero-tolerance” policy for fleet drivers who use alcohol or other drugs.
Driving while Distracted
Driving requires you to pay close attention to a variety of things. Enforce local laws and ordinances, such as the prohibition on using cell phones or other electronic devices while driving, to reduce accidents. Require drivers to stop and park their cars if they need to check their GPS.
Driver Weariness
All it takes to have an accident is to close your eyes briefly. Ensure your drivers get enough pauses to rest and eat during the day by considering the length of their shifts. During longer shifts, it’s imperative to take a little scheduled downtime.
Angry Driving
When they are on the road, your drivers reflect your company. Risk factors include swerving in and out of traffic, loud honking, hard braking, and taking turns too quickly.
Why Use DataMyte Digital Clipboard?
The DataMyte Digital Clipboard provides a cost-effective, efficient, and accurate solution for fleet tracking, enabling you to manage your fleet more effectively and make informed decisions that can improve your bottom line.
DataMyte Digital Clipboard is a low-code process automation tool with a checklist builder. This tool allows safety professionals to easily create checklists corresponding to safety rules and requirements. If you want to learn more about DataMyte Digital Clipboard, schedule a demo with us now!
