The Redwoods Group

The Redwoods Group Insurance Program for YMCAs
Risk Management Alert

Topic: Vehicle Inspections

Vehicle inspections are crucial to safe motor vehicle operation and the safety of your children. Not only are they prudent, they are often mandated by governmental agencies. The checklist below is quick and easy and will help ensure your vehicles' road-readiness. Use it daily before a vehicle is used for the first time... don't gamble with your children's lives. All required periodic safety inspections (i.e., by mileage or time) should still be performed.

Begin with the Initial Approach and proceed through Driver Check-out. If children are not being transported, the Test Drive may be incorporated into the day's initial run. Inadequacies generally should be corrected before use.

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1. Initial Approach

fluid leaks (oil, transmission, brake fluid, water)

suspension (no body tilt or lean)

2. Under-hood Check

clean (no leaks, excess oil film, etc.)

belts are tight (fan, alternator, a/c, water pump)

last service check posted (and within 90 days)

fluid levels adequate (same as Initial Approach)

(do not check water when the engine is hot)

3. General Interior

floor / seats / windows clear and clean

seat belts present and functional for all seats

communication gear (2-way radio, cell phone)

emergency equipment present and ready
(flares / triangles, fuses, flashlight, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, accident reporting form)

4. From the Driver's Seat

emergency brake set and adequate

driver's seat properly adjusted

mirrors present and properly adjusted

horn works

dash and interior dome lights working

engine starts easily, runs smoothly

gauges working (oil, water, amps, fuel)

heat, a/c, defrost systems working

windshield wipers and washer working

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5. Walk Around

windshield (clear, clean, unbroken)

headlights clean and working (both high & low)

wiper blades clean and in good condition

side / rear windows (unobstructed, unbroken)

taillights clean and working

turn signals working on all 4 corners

emergency flasher working on all 4 corners

tire condition (inflation, sidewall damage)

tire wear (tread depth, alignment wear pattern)

spare tire provided (inflated, with jack and tools)

bumpers (properly secured and aligned)

body (no significant damage, loose parts, etc.)

muffler (not loose or excessively noisy)

6. Driver Check-out

qualification (proper license, status, etc.)

condition (not sick, tired, under medication, etc.)

attitude (alert, focused, responsive, etc.)

7. Test Drive (before transporting children)

transmission (smooth start, shifts; no clunks)

engine (smooth running, no unusual noises)

speedometer and odometer working

steering (responsive, no free-play in wheel)

noises (no unusual rattles, clunks, etc.)

brakes (stops the vehicle safely without any fading, grabbing, pulling to one side or squeaking)

Please call us at 800-463-8546 if you would like to discuss any Risk Management safety tips, or visit our web site at www.redwoodsgroup.com to learn more about YMCA risk management related issues. We would appreciate any feedback you might have to offer concerning this article. Please click here to send your feedback.

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Risk Management services are provided by The Redwoods Group to assist the management of insured organizations in fulfilling their responsibilities for the control of potential loss-producing situations involving their operations. The Redwoods Group does not warrant that all potential hazards or conditions have been identified or evaluated, or that they are safely controlled. The liability of The Redwoods Group is limited to the terms, conditions, and limits of the policies it has issued when conducting Risk Management Services.

released 09/06/00