Pre-Trip Inspections Can Save Lives

Semi tractor-trailers are loaded with cargo every day to transport all across the country—sometimes multiple loads a day. In order to ensure the truck and trailer are in safe condition for every trip, drivers must perform pre-trip inspections.

Truck operators are required by federal and state laws to inspect their vehicles before a trip, during a trip, and after a trip, with the potential for federal and state inspectors to conduct their own assessment. By consistently inspecting their vehicles, drivers keep themselves and other road users safe from wrecks caused by potential defects. Moreover, finding defects during an inspection can also prevent lost time from dealing with a breakdown on the road.

Board-certified truck accident attorney David W. Craig has been trained on the pre-trip inspection process. He indicates that the inspection, when done correctly, takes around 30 minutes. However, he has deposed truck drivers who spend less than 15 minutes doing these. David has said, “I don’t think a 15-minute pre-trip inspection is adequate. I think, on average, a thorough inspection will take around 30 minutes!”

But what does a pre-trip inspection entail?

What Drivers Should Cover During Inspection

After a semi tractor-trailer or other commercial motor vehicle has been prepared for its trip and is ready to depart, operators must conduct a pre-trip inspection. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) states in section 396.13 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) that “before operating the vehicle, the driver must inspect the vehicle and be satisfied that it is in safe operation condition. If the last vehicle inspection report notes any deficiencies, the driver must review and sign to acknowledge and certify that the required repairs were made”.

This inspection focuses on ensuring both the rig and the trailer are safe for operating, closely examining all parts of the vehicle. If any defects are found that cannot be amended in a timely manner prior to departing, then the vehicle is considered “out of service” and is not in safe operating condition until it is repaired.

CMV operators should check every aspect of their vehicle during pre-trip inspection in order to truly determine if the truck is safe to drive. Operators are advised to look for the following issues while conducting their pre-trip inspection:

• Tire problems

This category can cover many potential tire complications, but the most important ones for drivers to look for include proper air pressure, bad wear resulting in loss of tread depth, cuts or punctures, tread separation, dual tires that have contact with another tire or other part of the vehicle, mismatched size, radial and bias-ply tires used together, and cut or cracked valve stems. Tires that are re-grooved, recapped, or retreaded on the front wheels of a bus are prohibited, and drivers should inspect their tires to ensure they meet those qualifications.

• Wheel and rim problems

Operators should inspect rims for general damage. Any rust around wheel nuts could indicate loose nuts, which would need to be checked for tightness. Missing clamps, spacers, studs, or lugs, as well as mismatched, bent, or cracked locked rings are dangerous. Rims or wheels that have had welding repairs are not considered safe.

• Bad brake drums or shoes

Cracked drums can make brakes defective. Drivers should also look for shoes or pads that are worn dangerously thin, missing, or broken and indications of oil, grease, or brake fluid on them.

• Steering system defects

There are many defects that can affect the steering system. Operators should see if any parts like nuts, bolts, cutter keys or other parts are missing. Any bent, loose, or broken parts, such as the steering column, steering gear box, or tie box can be indicative of a defect. If power steering is equipped, drivers should check hoses and pumps for leaks, as well as fluid level. Furthermore, steering wheel play of more than 10 degrees can make it more difficult to steer.

• Suspension system defects

Broken suspension parts can be extremely dangerous because the suspension system holds up the vehicle and its load. It is crucial to look for spring hangers that allow movement of the axle from the proper position, broken or cracked spring hangers, and missing or broken leaves in the leaf springs. Any broken leaves in a multi-leaf spring or leaves that have shifted could potentially hit a tire or other part of the vehicle. Air suspension systems and shock absorbers that are leaking and/or damaged can be dangerous. Any axle position parts and frame members that are cracked, damaged, or missing could also cause issues.

• Exhaust system defects

Broken exhaust systems are highly dangerous because they can release poison fumes into the cab or sleeper berth. Exhaust pipes, mufflers, tailpipes, vertical stacks, mounting brackets, clamps, bolts, or nuts that are loose, broken, or missing can result in a defect. Drivers should also look closely for exhaust system parts that are leaking or rubbing against fuel system parts, tires, or other moving parts of the vehicle.

• Emergency equipment

All vehicles should be properly outfitted with emergency equipment, including fire extinguishers, spare electrical fuses, and warning devices for parked vehicles.

• Cargo (trucks)

For trucks that are loaded with cargo, operators must ensure that the truck is not overloaded and the load is balanced and secure before departing. If there are hazardous materials included in the cargo, it must be inspected for proper papers and placarding.

The Seven-Step Inspection Method

CMV operators have to look at many parts of a vehicle during their inspections, and it is crucial they do not miss any components that could make the vehicle defective. To ensure inspections are thorough, drivers are advised by the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Manual to follow a seven-step method. It is advised to conduct the inspection the same way each time, so drivers are less likely to forget something.

Before beginning the inspection, operators should pay attention to general condition when approaching the vehicle. This includes looking for general damage or the vehicle leaning to one side; checking underneath for fresh oil, coolant, grease, or fuel leaks; and examining the area around the vehicle for any hazards to vehicle movement.

• Step 1: Vehicle overview

Drivers should review the last vehicle inspection reports and ensure any defects previously found have been repaired. Once it is confirmed that defects were noted and certified or not certified to be repaired, the driver must sign the report.

• Step 2: Check engine compartment

Operators must check for the following items when examining the engine compartment: engine oil level, coolant level in radiator and condition of hoses, power steering fluid level and condition of hoses, windshield washer fluid level, battery fluid level and connections/tie downs, automatic transmission fluid level, belts for tightness and excessive wear, leaks in the engine compartment, and electrical wiring insulation to see if it is cracked or worn.

• Step 3: Start engine and inspect inside the cab

To conduct this portion of the inspection, drivers should get into the vehicle and start the engine and listen for any unusual noises and check the Anti-lock Braking System, if it is equipped. Next is examining the gauges for oil pressure, air pressure, ammeter and/or voltmeter, coolant temperature, engine oil temperature, and warning lights and buzzers to ensure everything is operating normally.

The condition of all the controls should also be checked, looking for any looseness, sticking, damage, or improper setting of the steering wheel, clutch, accelerator, brake controls, foot brake, trailer brake, parking brake, retarder controls, transmission controls, interaxle differential lock, horns, windshield wiper/washer, lights, headlights, dimmer switch, turn signal, four-way flashers, and switches. Once those controls have been inspected, drivers should check mirrors and windshield to ensure they are in good condition, confirm they have all their emergency equipment, and that the safety belt is in working order.

• Step 4: Turn off engine and check lights

After setting the parking brake, operators must turn off the engine and turn on the headlights and four-way emergency flashers, then get out of the vehicle and make sure all the lights work when the engine is off.

• Step 5: Do walk-around inspection

As they walk around and inspect, operators should clean all lights, reflectors, and glass as they examine the vehicle. Beginning at the front, drivers should turn on all lights on the vehicle to ensure they work. From there, they must carefully inspect the left front side, front, right side, right rear, rear, and left side for every possible defect, ranging from clean glass and oil levels/leaks to door locks and spare equipment as outlined in section 2.1.3 in the CDL Manual.

• Step 6: Check signal lights

Once a full walk-around has been completed, drivers should then get into the vehicle and turn off all lights, then turn each light on one-by-one and get out to check them after turning each one on. After it is certain they are all in working order, drivers should get back in the vehicle and secure all required papers and loose articles in the cab before starting the engine.

• Step 7: Start the engine and check

After starting the engine, operators must test for hydraulic leaks. Then, they should test the parking brakes and service brake stopping action while driving at a low speed, usually around five miles per hour.

If operators find anything unsafe during inspection, they must get it fixed. Federal and state laws forbid the operation of an unsafe vehicle. For vehicles carrying cargo, drivers must inspect the securement of the load within the first 50 miles of the trip and every 150 miles or every three hours after. Owner-operators are held to a higher safety standard that requires them to go above and beyond in their inspections to keep everyone on the roads safe.

Overall, it is a truck driver’s responsibility to ensure the safety of their vehicle before they begin their trip. The driver is the last line of defense against accidents caused by defects.

Injured After a Truck Wreck? Craig, Kelley & Faultless Can Help

Attorneys at Craig, Kelley & Faultless are prepared and have the experience to help victims and their loved ones involved in commercial vehicle wrecks through every aspect of their case. Both attorneys David W. Craig and Scott A. Faultless are board-certified in truck accident law by the NBTA, accredited by the American Bar Association. The firm also has a rapid response team that works with investigators, reconstructionists and mechanics who immediately collect evidence as soon as the firm is hired. Additionally, two of the firm’s litigation paralegals are board-certified in truck accident law by the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys. As David has said, “We don’t just handle truck accident cases. We specialize in these cases.”

Their team-centered approach puts client needs at the forefront, and several attorneys will work on your case to achieve the best possible outcome.

Reach out for a free case consultation today at (888) 253-5198 or online.

David W. Craig is board-certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, accredited by the American Bar Association in Truck Accident Law. He sits on the Board of Regents of the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys (which requires the board certification in truck accident law). He is the managing partner and one of the founding partners of Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC. He is recognized as a Top 10 Trucking Trial Lawyer and Top 100 Trial Lawyer in Indiana by the National Trial Lawyers, as well as a Top 50 Indiana lawyer by Super Lawyers. David is the author of Semitruck Wreck, A Guide for Victims and Their Families and It’s Never Been Easier to Hire the Wrong Attorney, both written to help people navigate what comes next after a tragic wreck. He also hosts the podcast After the Crash, where you can gain valuable information about the dangers involving semis and large trucks that do not follow safety protocol regarding speed, weather conditions, maintenance upkeep, etc.