As spring arrives, transportation fleets have an excellent opportunity to review safety practices and tools essential for a successful summer ahead. Implementing key practices and utilizing smart technology tools can help ensure drivers and vehicles are safe on the road. Here is a comprehensive guide to spring maintenance and safety for your fleet:
Driver Inspections
Ensuring drivers are adept at conducting pre-and post-trip inspections is vital for fleet safety. Thorough training on completing Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIR) equips drivers to spot issues with brakes, lights, steering, and other vital components. Spring presents an opportune moment for reinforcing these skills, especially considering the potential impact harsh winter conditions can have on vehicles. Integrated DVIR solutions speed up repairs, ensuring compliance and reducing costly downtime for unexpected repairs.
Stock Essential Supplies
Spring is a great time to take stock of emergency supplies drivers keep in their trucks. Emergency supply checklists help drivers make sure they have all the necessary items. These items can include first aid kits, reflective vests, warning triangles, gloves, and other items required by regulations or company policy. Remember to check supplies for expired items and replace used items to be prepared for unexpected events while traveling.
Registration and Insurance
Don’t overlook the importance of up-to-date registration, insurance, and other important documents that keep your fleet running smoothly. Verify that all vehicles have current compliance documents. Failure to maintain these documents poses a legal risk and leaves your fleet vulnerable in case of accidents or incidents. Electronic document management solutions, such as Digital Library, help companies digitize, store, organize, and share all their essential documents, preventing fewer expiration issues.
Reviewing Maintenance Processes
Reviewing maintenance processes is essential, especially before the summer months, when the weather warms up and road conditions change. By implementing a proactive approach to maintenance, fleets can minimize the risk of unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs.
The right fleet maintenance tool will offer the ability to schedule maintenance based on vehicle activity, provide timely alerts for upcoming or overdue maintenance, have job scheduling tools to facilitate pff-site repairs by mobile works, and provide robust records and reports for each vehicle. Preventive fleet maintenance not only keeps your operations running smoother but can prevent accidents on the road.
Tire Pressure Monitoring
Another hot topic to address before the warmer summer months is tire health. Hot weather and more driving in summer can make tires wear out faster and worsen existing damage. Preventative maintenance practice can help alleviate tire issues, but Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) provides fleets with real-time visibility of individual tire pressures. This helps fleets decide when to maintain tires, avoiding accidents from unexpected flat tires and unsafe driving conditions.
As spring approaches, transportation fleets can prepare for a successful summer by revisiting crucial safety practices and tools. By implementing a few key safety measures and utilizing smart technology solutions, fleets can ensure drivers and vehicles are prepared for safe summer travel.
Reach out to us to learn more ways Pedigree Technologies can help prepare your fleet for spring.