Safety checks cut violations and accidents

ECAUSE in many states accidents involving trucks are increasing at an alarming rate, highway safety authorities are conducting surprise vehicle safety checks.

The results indicate that many unsafe trucks are operating on both local and interstate highways. As a result of these checks, there have been many citations and numerous vehicles prevented from operating until violations have been corrected.

Don't wait for a checkup such as this to determine the condition of your vehicles. Insist that your drivers make pre-trip inspections of their rigs.

An inspection sheet is helpful in making a systematic check and guarantees that all components are inspected in a minimum amount of time. A minimum circle inspection would include performing the following functions:

In cab:

(1) Check for secured seating.

(2) Start engine.

Story at a Glance

Drivers should check trucks before each trip...circle inspection will catch problems...load securement is the responsibility of the driver.

Check all gauges, horn, wipers.

Make sure that the low air pressure warning device is operating.

While air pressure is building up, check emergency equipment.

Charge trailer system if applicable; apply and release trailer brakes.

Fan the brakes until pressure drops, warning signal operates and compressor cuts in. Stop engine when maximum pressure is regained; check for air leaks.

Apply brakes, again checking for leaks.

(10) Turn on lights (ow beam).

(11) Press dimmer switch.

(12) Turn on right and left directional signals.

Outside cab:

(1) Start with left front and check counter clockwise.

(21 Check all lights.

(3) Check wheel lugs, nuts and tires.

(4) Check air hoses and eiectric lines to trailer if applicable.

(5) Check tailgate, trailer doors or tarp tiedowns.

(6) Check trailer dolly wheels if applicable.

(7) Check fifth wheel if applicable.

(E) Check turn signal functions for both sides, front and back.

(9) Clean all glass and mirrors.

A good inspection, whether or not a check sheet and circle technique are used, includes tires, wheels and rims, brakes, steering mechanism, lights and reflectors, horn, mirrors, windows, windshield wipers, load securement, coupling devices and emergency equipment.

Emergency equipment should include warning devices, such as three two-way reflective triangles or flares, fire extinguisher, spare fuses and fuel or battery operated lanterns.

Each year hundreds of accidents are caused by improperly loaded cargo. Regardless of who loads the truck, the driver is responsible for checking to see that it is done properly. Even distribution of cargo, staylng within legal weight limits, keeping weight low and proper securement with ropes, chain or tarpaulin are essential. It also is the driver's responsibility to check the load frequently. Road vibration, bumps and turns can cause materials to work loose. Both cargo and restraints should be checked after a few miles have been driven and then periodically after that.

Stressing vehicle check-ups is of little value unless equal attention is applied to repairs and maintenance. When a driver reports a problem, there must be immediate action to correct it.

For help in organizing a truck safety program, you can contact your department of motor vehicles, state police and insurer.

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