Preventative maintenance: critical for commercial vehicles

As the operator of a business fleet, the last thing you need is to send out your drivers in unsafe vehicles.

Drivers who spend a full day on the road need to know their vehicles will operate efficiently and safely in all conditions.

That's why it's critical for small-business owners to implement a preventive maintenance program that keep vehicles in top condition. The types of vehicles and any leasing arrangements may help dictate the right maintenance program, which can be designed to meet any company's specific needs.

Consider making drivers responsible for knowing the mechanical condition of their vehicles. They should know that the vehicle is in good condition at the start of each trip.

At a minimum, owners might implement a maintenance program that incorporates the following:

• A daily inspection of the vehicles by drivers that includes:
• A check inside to ensure the floor is free of obstructions and debris such as tools, rags or other loose items.
A seat belt inspection to make sure they're in good shape and working properly.
• Engine start-up to confirm that instruments, heaters, defrosters and windshield wipers are working properly.
• A check of emergency equipment, if required. Make sure the fire extinguisher is charged and operable, and that there are adequate flares or reflective devices on hand.
• A check of the headlights, body lights, signals, outside reflectors and tires.
• A maintenance schedule for each vehicle to ensure the vehicle is routinely serviced and checked.
• A vehicle record card or folder, which holds the history of the vehicle for easy reference. If the vehicle is leased, the record should identify the contractor supplying the vehicle.

Commercial vehicles subject to state or federal safety regulations will require a more formal approach to vehicle inspections and documentation.

Help is available

At Allstate, we want to not only provide the insurance coverage that helps protect your people and property, but to give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing you're backed by a team of Loss Control Consultants who understand your business and can help you prevent a loss before it happens.

That's why we've created the Allstate Safety Line at 800-877-6998, where Loss Control Consultants personally help small-business owners learn more about:

• Fleet and auto safety
• Accident investigations
• Self-inspection procedures
• Safety training
• Fire protection and safety
• Hazard control methods
• Safety and health rules and regulations that apply to your particular business
• Much more

Just call us anytime with your contact information and briefly describe your question or issue. If a trained Loss Control Specialist isn't immediately available, one will call you back by the end of the next business day.