Performance Skill Standard:
Conditions of Performance:
- Given a typical tractor-trailer truck and a trip…
Statement of Work to be performed:
- …The driver will conduct pre-trip, enroute, and post-trip inspections.
Performance Criteria:
- Inspect and make a correct determination of the condition of various critical vehicle components, including instruments and controls; engine and drive train; chassis and suspension; steering system, braking system; tires; wheels and rims; lighting and signaling system; emergency equipment; and cargo securing device(s).
- Perform pre-trip inspections in a regular, systematic sequence that is accurate, uniform, and time efficient.
- Perform en route inspections by checking mirrors for signs of trouble; checking connections, hoses, and gauges; monitoring instruments and looking, listening and feeling for indications of malfunctions.
- Make periodic roadside stop inspections of critical items; and meeting en route requirements for transporting various cargoes.
- Perform post-trip inspections by making accurate notes of actual and suspected component abnormalities or malfunctions that occurred during the trip using a Vehicle Condition Report (V.CR.).
- Refuse to operate a vehicle found to be in unsafe (for vehicle, drivers, and other road users) operating condition, either prior to a trip or en route.
Performance Elements and Assessment Criteria:
Perform pre-trip inspections in a regular, systematic sequence that is accurate, uniform, and time efficient.
Why do a pre-trip?
- Company policy
- DOT Guidelines
- Safety
- Time & Hassle
Inspect and determine the condition of critical vehicle components including:
- Instruments and controls.
- Engine and drive train.
- Chassis and suspension.
- Steering system.
- Braking system.
- Coupling system.
- Emergency equipment.
- Cargo securing devices.
Perform en route inspections:
- Check mirrors for signs of trouble.
- Monitor instruments.
- Look, listen, and feel for malfunctions.
- Make periodic roadside inspections of critical components.
Perform post-trip inspections:
- Make accurate notes of actual and suspected component abnormalities or malfunctions.
The Purpose of the Pre Trip Safety Check
A thorough pre-trip inspection is one of the most important tasks you will perform as a driver. It is the best form of preventive maintenance you have. By constantly checking your equipment, you can become aware of a minor problem before it becomes a major difficulty. Conducting a proper safety check can save costly expenditures of time and money. By keeping a preventive eye on your equipment, you can maintain maximum efficiency and utilization of company equipment and will be able to use your time more productively.
The key to a thorough inspection is to have a systematic approach that you use each time.
As a driver for Knight, your primary concern is safety. Safety will be continually emphasized throughout your career with us. There are many aspects of safety, such as:
- Non-Driving Accidents
- These are usually related to lifting and getting in and out of the tractor and trailer.
- Driving Accidents
- Highway accidents usually occur at faster speeds and can result in more severe injury and higher loss.
Areas of Risk:
- Backing – highest frequency accidents.
- Turning – highest off-road accident in frequency
- Lane change – highest in injury and dollar loss.
- Tailgating – not allowing enough stopping distance.
- Passing – It is an art.
- Speed control.
- Downhill braking.
Accident Prevention:
- Recognize the hazard.
- Smith System©
- Aim high in steering
- Get the big picture
- Keep your eyes moving
- Leave yourself an out
- Make sure they see you
- G.O.A.L.
- Get Out And Look
- Understand the defense.
- get S.M.A.R.T.
- Safe speed for conditions at all times
- Maintain a safe following distance at all times
- Avoid driving while distracted
- Resist driving if too fatigued to drive safely
- Take your time and Get Out And Look before backing or parking
- Act correctly in Time.
- Preventive maintenance.
The Trucking Monk 