Fleet Management News & Business Info | Commercial Carrier Journal
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/858523
commercial carrier journal | august 2017 89 L ights account for almost 30 percent of all Compli- ance Safety Accountability violations, and in an ironic twist, inoperable lights serve as vis- ible indicators that a truck's overall maintenance may leave something to be desired, acting as an invitation to inspectors to give the truck a thor- ough lookover. "Pre-trip and post-trip inspections play a significant role when it comes to avoiding CSA violations," says Megan Vincent, Phillips Industries' marketing manager. "Inspecting the trailer and tractor for broken or inoperable lights can save a driver time and stress in the long run. We all know lights can be the easiest violation for inspectors to spot, so why risk it? If any of the lights are nonfunctioning, they will stand out and could call attention to other vio- lations the vehicle may have." As it ages, an electrical system becomes less reliable and more sus- ceptible to damage and failure. The operating environment also plays a role in electrical system integrity, and drivers operating an older vehicle in challenging conditions should be the most diligent in their inspection process. Andrew Liuzzo, Truck-Lite's marketing communications special- ist, says that drivers may not always invest the proper amount of time into pre-trip inspections due to their schedules and time constraints. "In addition to being functional and intact, lights and reflectors must also be wiped clean of any dirt or debris, a step that is sometimes over- looked," he says. Scheduling and time constraints aside, there is no more important step in lighting safety than a proper pre-trip inspection, says Brett John- son, Optronics International presi- dent and chief executive officer. "Regardless of maintenance prac- tices and the type of lighting technol- ogy on a vehicle, it all leads to the question of whether the lighting and electrical system is in sufficient oper- ational condition for safe operation," Johnson says. "The driver is the last person in line to make that call." Lighting violations carry six sever- ity points each, with headlight and taillight violations an automatic Out- Of-Service violation, adding another two points. "There are more advanced options for checking your system beyond pre-trip inspections," Vincent says. The following story is Part 2 of a three-part series on "Preventing CSA Vehicle Maintenance Violations." Last month's installment focused on brake violations. Next month's story will highlight violations involving tires. Don't give inspectors an easily visible reason to pull you over BY JASON CANNON