For businesses that rely on commercial vans, safety is not just a priority—it’s a necessity. Ensuring your vehicles are in optimal condition protects your van drivers, your cargo, and your bottom line. A poorly maintained van can lead to costly breakdowns, accidents, and even legal liabilities. By adhering to a thorough safety checklist, you can minimize risks and comply with legal requirements, ensuring your fleet operates smoothly and safely.
This guide overviews creating and following a commercial van safety checklist, including required steps and best practices to maintain compliance and safety.
Pre-Trip Safety Checks
Performing a pre-trip safety check is essential before every commercial van’s journey. It’s helpful to include the following items in your safety checklist, but it’s important to check legal requirements before designing your own.
Visual Inspection
- Tires: Check the air pressure, tread depth, and for any visible damage. Bald or underinflated tires can lead to accidents and may violate safety regulations.
- Lights: Test all headlights, brake lights, and turn signals to ensure they are fully functional. These are critical for visibility and are required by law.
- Mirrors: Confirm they are properly adjusted and free of cracks or damage to avoid blind spots.
Fluid Levels
Check and top off essential fluids, including oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Ensure compliance with manufacturer recommendations for fluid levels.
Emergency Equipment
Confirm the presence and condition of legally required items, including:
- First-aid kits
- Fire extinguishers
- Reflective triangles or flares
Driver Preparedness
Your van driver’s readiness is another, often forgotten, component of a van safety checklist. Before departure, it’s important to check that all drivers meet company-specific requirements as well as local and federal laws.
- Licensing: Verify that the van driver holds a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) if required for your van’s weight and purpose.
- Hours of Service (HOS): When required, confirm van drivers adhere to HOS regulations to prevent fatigue-related accidents. Keep electronic or manual logs to document compliance.
- Health and Alertness: Ensure van drivers are fit to drive and free of impairing substances. Drug and alcohol testing may be legally required for certain commercial vehicles.
Regular Maintenance and Inspections
Routine maintenance is the foundation of vehicle safety and legal compliance for commercial vans. To ensure reliability and prevent costly downtime, schedule regular professional inspections for critical systems like brakes, suspension, and electrical components.
These inspections are not just best practices but may also be legally required under federal regulations. Keeping detailed records of all maintenance activities, including oil changes, tire replacements, and fluid top-offs, is essential for compliance and audit purposes.
Additionally, adhering to the manufacturer’s recommended service intervals for the engine, transmission, and other vital systems helps prolong the vehicle’s lifespan and reduces the likelihood of breakdowns.
Don’t overlook the importance of software updates for GPS and safety systems, which provide accurate routing and safety alerts to enhance operational efficiency and van driver safety. Proper maintenance protects your investment, ensures legal compliance, and prioritizes the safety of drivers and others on the road.
Loading and Cargo Safety
Improperly secured or overloaded cargo is a significant safety risk and may be a violation of federal regulations.
- Weight Limits: Always check and adhere to your van’s gross vehicle weight rating. Overloading can damage the vehicle and lead to legal penalties.
- Load Distribution: Evenly distribute cargo to maintain vehicle balance. Poor weight distribution can cause tipping or loss of control.
- Securing Loads: Use appropriate straps, nets, or other equipment to secure the cargo. Loose loads can shift during transit and create hazards for the driver and others on the road.
Safety Features and Accessories
Enhancing your commercial van with high-quality safety features and accessories is crucial for protecting drivers and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
At Suburban Seating & Safety, we offer an extensive selection of premium safety accessories and ergonomic van seats designed to improve driver comfort and reduce risks on the road. By outfitting your fleet with products from Suburban Seating & Safety, you can create a safer, more efficient driving experience for your team while prioritizing their well-being and your company’s safety standards.
