How to Make Sure Your Transport Truck Is Safe
How to Make Sure Your Transport Truck is Safe
As a transport driver, you are responsible for the welfare of yourself, your truck and the other drivers on the road, even if they don't drive the way you would like them to at times. Performing a safety routine that ensures your truck is safe for the road is going to make a world of difference out there on those long trips, plus it's the law.
Some of these safety checks require two people to be performed, so get a buddy to come along and help you out.
Having a Checklist
A checklist for safety will ensure that you go over every part of your safety check. By keeping an up-to-date record, you will be able to document just when something went wrong if it does go wrong. You can pinpoint exactly when a leak or a breakdown began - handy.
Seat Belts
In order to work properly, your seat belts must be free of all damage and day-to-day wear and tear. If you see some significant damage that could put you or your passenger at risk, have them replaced before you do any driving. Sit in the cab and ensure that they work properly by clicking them into place.
Windshield
It is just a common sense to make sure that you are able to see where you are going. Inspect your windshield for any damages or cracks that could worsen over time. A cracked windshield has the potential to do a lot of damage.
Lights
Do all your lights work? Are you sure? Making a truck safe means making sure that everyone else on the road is aware of what you are about to do, and if they are not, then you cannot really deem it safe.
Wheels
Your tires can wear over time, making not only your vehicle unsafe, but less efficient on fuel. Check for bald tires, damaged tires and properly inflated tires. It will save you a whole cluster of headaches in the future.
Brakes
Make sure there are no air leaks in your truck. Have someone apply the brakes and take a walk around the vehicle to listen for air escaping. If you cannot stop properly, then you are certainly not going to get where you want to go. This also means that your parking brake must be checked for good function, as well.
Leaks
Any sort of leak can pose a safety hazard. Many of the fluids used in trucks are highly flammable, and there could be trouble if you drive around with a leaky truck.
Proper Fluid Levels
Take a look under the hood and make sure that your fluid levels are optimal, especially if you are about to go for the long haul. This includes washer fluid, oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, coolant and, of course, a large double-double.
No matter which way you put it, safety has to be number one. Giving yourself that few extra minutes before you start up the engine could save your life and your truck. So be kind to your truck and yourself.
As a transport driver, you are responsible for the welfare of yourself, your truck and the other drivers on the road, even if they don't drive the way you would like them to at times. Performing a safety routine that ensures your truck is safe for the road is going to make a world of difference out there on those long trips, plus it's the law.
Some of these safety checks require two people to be performed, so get a buddy to come along and help you out.
Having a Checklist
A checklist for safety will ensure that you go over every part of your safety check. By keeping an up-to-date record, you will be able to document just when something went wrong if it does go wrong. You can pinpoint exactly when a leak or a breakdown began - handy.
Seat Belts
In order to work properly, your seat belts must be free of all damage and day-to-day wear and tear. If you see some significant damage that could put you or your passenger at risk, have them replaced before you do any driving. Sit in the cab and ensure that they work properly by clicking them into place.
Windshield
It is just a common sense to make sure that you are able to see where you are going. Inspect your windshield for any damages or cracks that could worsen over time. A cracked windshield has the potential to do a lot of damage.
Lights
Do all your lights work? Are you sure? Making a truck safe means making sure that everyone else on the road is aware of what you are about to do, and if they are not, then you cannot really deem it safe.
Wheels
Your tires can wear over time, making not only your vehicle unsafe, but less efficient on fuel. Check for bald tires, damaged tires and properly inflated tires. It will save you a whole cluster of headaches in the future.
Brakes
Make sure there are no air leaks in your truck. Have someone apply the brakes and take a walk around the vehicle to listen for air escaping. If you cannot stop properly, then you are certainly not going to get where you want to go. This also means that your parking brake must be checked for good function, as well.
Leaks
Any sort of leak can pose a safety hazard. Many of the fluids used in trucks are highly flammable, and there could be trouble if you drive around with a leaky truck.
Proper Fluid Levels
Take a look under the hood and make sure that your fluid levels are optimal, especially if you are about to go for the long haul. This includes washer fluid, oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, coolant and, of course, a large double-double.
No matter which way you put it, safety has to be number one. Giving yourself that few extra minutes before you start up the engine could save your life and your truck. So be kind to your truck and yourself.
