Why you should conduct daily walkaround checks

Did you know that it’s estimated that 85% of roadworthy infringements could be avoided if drivers performed walkaround checks before their journey? Simple faults like loose wheel nuts can also cost you fixed penalties.

The good news is that drivers don’t need to have in-depth mechanical knowledge or expertise to be able to perform walkaround checks. With the help of features and functionality, such as MaxOptra Vehicle Checks, drivers can be guided through the process, and results logged in the MaxOptra system.

Daily walkaround checks are something most Transport Managers and Drivers are familiar with. They are recommended by the DVSA to be carried by the driver or responsible person before the first drive of the vehicle on the road each day, ensuring that the vehicles are roadworthy and safe to drive.

The DVSA also states that there must be a system of reporting and recording the defects and include how they are rectified. This is why businesses must use the correct technology to maintain DVSA standards, like our paperless Vehicle Check system.

What are walkaround checks?

Walkaround checks are the process of identifying defects in a vehicle that could endanger the driver, passenger, pedestrians, and other road users.

These defects include issues such as:

• Steering faults
• Tyre pressure
• Damaged headlights
• Indicators not working properly
• Problems with braking systems
• Loose components
• Fuel leaks

Walkaround checks ensure that vehicles are safe, and working as they should.

How MaxOptra makes vehicle checks easier

Vehicle Checks are available through the MaxOptra driver app, which digitises start-of-day safety and compliance checks. It’s inbuilt and accessible in this one place, simplifying how vehicle checks are completed and recorded. This helps ensure drivers complete these essential checks before their first run. 

With varying business needs and a wide range of vehicles, businesses can set their requirements via the user-friendly Vehicle Checks form builder, tailoring it to their business.

Vehicle Checks reports, photos, and comments are then all available in one, easily accessible place. This provides instant access to completed Vehicle Checks and defect records, allowing you to draw them up as and when you need to.

The benefits of MaxOptra Vehicle Checks 

Our vehicle check system is ready to go when your driver is. Here’s a rundown of the key benefits that our system brings to your fleet.

Ease of use

Vehicle Checks are built into our Driver App and can be a standardised step for all drivers. These start-of-day checks will be mandatory for drivers to complete to start their first run, meaning they never get missed.

Time-saving

By using our digital process businesses can save time on daily administration, such as gathering paper reports and images from multiple sources. This can save you money, labour, and mitigate the risk of human error. 

Defect reporting

Defects are reported instantly and can be addressed faster, ensuring fleets are meeting safety and compliance standards. This not only helps you keep on top of fleet management but ensures your drivers can drive in confidence.

Centralised place

Businesses can capture additional information regarding defects with photos and comments, and store them in one centralised, accessible place. This simplifies vehicle management systems significantly and means vehicle issues can be caught earlier.

Environmentally friendly

By using the MaxOptra Driver App, this entirely digital process replaces paper-based start-of-day checks. This is much friendlier to the environment, and supports green credentials that your business is working towards!

Vehicle checks are integral to keeping all road users safe. A system like MaxOptra not only facilitates more efficient fleet management but empowers your drivers to keep on top of their daily walkarounds. Our simple, straightforward system can be easily integrated into your business model, meaning you won’t need to worry about missed paperwork again.

Interested to learn more about MaxOptra Vehicle Checks? Get in touch with us.