October 28, 2018

A Checklist for Safe Driving

multiple cars on the road while sunset

The pre-driving safety checklist

Most drivers rush through the pre-trip inspection part because they believe that the whole process is unnecessary. Such drivers might have never found themselves in an accident scene or believe that they can handle anything that happens. Your pre-trip inspection checklist is a vital step that allows you to catch any issue before you head out on the road. If used properly, a pre-driving checklist will increase your safety, prevent accidents and limit downtime. The good news is you can store your pre-driving checklist in your mobile phone.

The following are the important pre-driving procedures you should have on your pre-trip checklist.

Start with your vehicle’s exterior

  1. The first step involves checking the condition of every tire. Driving on improperly inflated, overly worn-out or unbalanced tires is dangerous.
  2. Evaluate the environment surrounding your vehicle. Check whether there is any object lying around, whether there are children or pedestrians around or a car that might be in your blind spot when you start to drive.
  3. Ensure that there are no fluid leakages. Actually, ending oil leaks can make the vehicle un-driveable. Mostly, the oil piles up below the car and starts trickles after you have parked your vehicle at night. Gasoline, the braking fluid, and the transmission fluid can also leak. Never ignore any of them.
  4. Check the vehicle for any damage. Note and inform the insurance company about any dent, scratch or bump that did not exist on the vehicle during the last pre-trip checks. Most importantly, you have to note every glass or window damage because driving with damaged windows is dangerous – they can impair your vision when driving.

Proceed to the vehicle’s interior

  1. Check for any hanging or loose objects. If your car has any, remove or secure them to prevent their distraction or rolling around after you have started driving.
  2. Do not overload the vehicle. That way, you will be able to maintain a clearer view when on the road. Never pack your vehicle above the back seat because anything above that will be a risk.
  3. Ensure that every seat buckle is properly secured and functioning for your passengers. In addition, shut every door securely.
  4. Adjust the seat and mirrors for maximum visibility and comfort.

The checklist is seemingly long and time consuming. However, you must do everything you can to ensure your safety on the road. An accident can increase the downtime and might cause you to miss important deadlines. It is also unacceptable. In addition to the checks, ensure that you have the necessary kit, know your route and ensure that everything in your vehicle is working properly.

All those things will keep you on schedule. They prevent repair costs add up, particularly if the need of a mobile mechanic arises. A roadside repair generally costs 3-5 times more than the repairs handled in a shop. Before you start driving, remember that your time is worth and forgetting the checklist might keep you on the road for more hours.

October 28, 2018