vehicle safety

While drivers are ultimately responsible for completing pre- and post-trip inspections, there are several ways the fleet can support drivers and make inspections easier.

Use Late-Model Equipment: Late-model equipment tends to experience fewer maintenance issues and mechanical failures compared to older trucks, so there are fewer issues drivers need to spot. Newer trucks are also increasingly equipped with telematics and data-driven systems that can communicate potential issues, including failure codes and remote diagnostics. Using data off the truck enables more proactive solutions, including increasingly predictive maintenance, allowing fleets and technicians to get ahead of issues before they affect drivers.

Tap into Data Analytics: Data is a strategic asset, but it can be hard for people to sort through the vast amount of information coming from today's vehicles. Data analytics can turn information into knowledge. Penske is tapping into data from its connected fleet solutions, which marries data off the trucks with maintenance data to identify patterns of codes that could indicate an issue. That allows technicians to spot potential problems so drivers don’t have to. If a potential failure is imminent, drivers can be directed to nearby maintenance facilities.

Take Advantage of a Second Set of Eyes: Drivers who fuel at a Penske fueling location have the added benefit of a customer service representative who walks around the vehicle to conduct vehicle and safety inspections. Representatives also top off oil, windshield washer fluid and antifreeze during the fuel stop.

Give Drivers Guidance: Sharing a comprehensive checklist and dos and don’ts helps drivers know what to look for. During every pre-trip inspection, a driver should check for leaks, damage, operable lights, properly secured cargo, sagging equipment and anything that looks out of place. Drivers should also review the previous Driver Vehicle Inspection Report. The post-trip inspection gives time for carriers to make needed repairs and provides documentation the next driver can review during his or her pre-trip inspection.

Track Common Violations: It may also be helpful to track top roadside violations and share the list with drivers. Data is updated regularly on FMCSA’s website. In 2024, the No. 1 roadside violation was for an inoperable required lamp. Other top ten violations include brake out of adjustment, inoperative turn signal, flat tire or audible air leak, and inoperative, missing or damaged wipers.

Create a Safety Culture: Creating a culture that values safety and thorough inspections starts at the top. Management can demonstrate a commitment to safety by ensuring drivers have enough time to conduct their inspections and address issues promptly.

Take Action: If remote diagnostics, drivers or customer service representatives spot an issue, taking care of it quickly prevents the driver from having to note it again or from it worsening. Some problems can wait, but others can’t. Penske Truck Leasing has taken more than 1,000 fault codes and broken them up into red, yellow and green to help technicians, carriers and drivers understand which codes need immediate attention.