pre-trip truck inspection

Ten Things Truckers Must Inspect Before Hitting The Road

Ten Important Pre-Trip Inspections for Truck Drivers

1. Inspect the truck’s tires. A large truck’s tires that split apart or blowout during a trip can cause another driver to lose control and collide with other vehicles or stationary objects.

2. Fluid levels. Before going out on the road, truckers should always check the vehicle’s fluid and coolant levels. Low levels of fluids, such as brake fluid, could result in a system failure and accident.

3. Check all lights. Truckers should visually inspect the lights on the cab and the trailer to ensure that all lights are functioning correctly, including emergency flashers, headlights, turn signals, brake lights, and trailer lights. Any burnt-out lights should be replaced before hitting the road.

4. Windshield and mirrors. The windshield and mirrors should be clean and adjusted for the truck driver’s view to help avoid missing objects in the blind spots. If a windshield has a crack, that should be repaired prior to leaving on a trip.

5. Windshield wipers. It is important to be able to see clearly during all types of weather. Truckers should check the windshield wipers to ensure they are operating properly and replace worn wipers immediately.

6. Brake check. It is crucial that the brakes operate correctly on a commercial truck. Even though large trucks take longer to stop, brakes that work properly allow the truck can stop as quickly as possible. Truckers should check the brake operation, including the parking brake, hydraulic brakes, and air brakes, before leaving on a trip.

7. Doors and locks. The doors on the back of the truck should be secure and locked during transit. Before leaving on a trip, truckers should check the trailer doors for any damage and ensure that the locks function correctly.

8. Trailer coupling. Truckers should check to ensure that the trailer is coupled correctly to the cab. All lines, clamps, nuts, mounting brackets, locking jaws, locking pins, and bolts should be checked before leaving on a trip.

9. Safety equipment. All trucks should be equipped with safety equipment, including but not limited to emergency flares, emergency triangles, first aid kit, and fire extinguisher.

10. Clear the cab of trash and debris. A cluttered cab, especially clutter on the dashboard and floor, can be distracting and dangerous. For instance, trash or objects on the dashboard can impair a driver’s ability to see the road and interfere with the windshield defroster. Trash or items on the floor can get trapped under the pedals. Truckers should clean out the cab before each trip.

Why Should A Trucker Conduct A Pre-Trip Inspection?

Commercial trucks are complex vehicles with many systems that are crucial to operating the vehicle safely. By conducting a pre-trip safety inspection, a driver may identify an issue that could potentially cause a truck accident. Repairing and correcting issues before hitting the road can reduce the risk of commercial truck accidents. Truck drivers who are serious about pre-trip inspections go beyond the minimum requirements because they take their safety and the safety of others on the road very seriously.

Attorneys for Texas Commercial Truck Accidents

If you are injured in a truck accident, it is important to consult a Texas Commercial Truck Accidents attorney as soon as possible. Trucking companies and their insurance providers aggressively investigate and defend claims. You need a team of legal professionals on your side to protect your legal rights and best interest.

Contact the team at the Tony Law Firm today.

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