Title: Vehicle Inspection & Safety Checks
Type: Lesson
A defensive driver doesn’t just focus on what’s happening outside the vehicle — they make sure the vehicle itself is safe and road-ready. Mechanical issues, worn tires, or broken lights can all cause crashes or violations.
Before every trip, you should do a walk-around and check:
Tire pressure and tread condition
Headlights, brake lights, and turn signals
Windshield wipers and washer fluid
Mirrors (clean and properly adjusted)
Look for leaks, dents, or damage
Oil, coolant, and brake fluid levels
Belt and hose condition
Battery cables (tight and clean)
Seat belts function properly
Dashboard lights (no warning indicators)
Horn and defroster
Emergency equipment (reflective triangles, fire extinguisher, first-aid kit)
Use your company’s vehicle inspection form or checklist
Report any defects immediately
Do not operate a vehicle with serious safety issues
Keep inspection records accessible in the vehicle or on file
Check tire pressure with a gauge (use the manufacturer’s PSI, not what’s on the tire)
Look for bald spots, cuts, or bulges
Measure tread depth — replace below 2/32”
Uneven wear may signal alignment or suspension issues
Your vehicle is your first piece of safety equipment. A quick daily inspection takes 5 minutes — but could prevent a crash, fine, or injury.
Click “Mark Complete” to continue to Lesson 4: Distracted, Impaired & Fatigued Driving, where we’ll cover the top behavior-based risks that cause collisions.