-
Posts
-
Understanding the rolling projectile a/k/a motorhome. When people drive cars for the most part just drive them until either something falls off or goes flat, then they fix it. But in a commercial vehicle like a 18 wheeler or bus, its illegal to move that vehical with out a pre/post inspections. Their is a very good reason for because the road will beat a piece of equipment to junk, and for safety, yours and others this must be done. Pilots also do this. I recommend going to a truckstop and buying a pre trip inspection book or order one for a bus inspection, because a lot of new class A motorhomes are like a highway bus. Also you can develop your own, a pre trip inspection could save your life or money by discovering a issue before it becomes a disaster. One thing I’ve learned in trucking, complacency will get you in a world of hurt. So if you get to excited and jump in and hit the open road with out it, your taking major risks. As a commercial driver you learn you have responsibilitys that have legal ramafacations, that by the way carry’s over to non commercial drivers as well.
One is load securement,you are legally responsible for any loaded or hanging on or off your vehicle and it must be properly secured. Example if you have an awning, lawn chairs, bicycles, TV antenna, luggage on the roof rack. Storage bay doors,Leveling jacks,(lowered).ect. If any thing you have failed to secure properly falls, flys or snaps off,because of your failure to do due diligence, you could be held liable both, civilly and criminally. So this is a very serious matter. So pre trip is critical to you and others safety.I’ve personly seen drivers carted off to jail for failure to secure there loads. So in saying this get or develop a pre trip sheets and put it on your steering wheel get a carribeener and clip that to your wheel and that way its right in your face you plant yourself in that seat, you know you have to go do that inspection and especially important things like leveling jacks or things like that put a yellow sticky note on that inspection sheet to make sure there up. Inspection sheets have check box’s next to the the things to be inspected. This is the most important discipline and habbit to exercise.Super great advice, Bob! Thank you for this.
p.s. “Rolling projectile” — Made me laugh out loud 🙂 However, in a way, it’s not funny but kind of serious.
At a minimum, before each driving day, I’ll check the engine oil and fluids, tire condition and pressure, all the lights, the antennas, slides, potential projectile hazards (anything not bolted down), mirrors, windows (clean and closed), and it doesn’t hurt to do a walk around or two, to double check that the storage compartments are securely latched and locked, and that all equipment, cords and hoses are stowed, and the camp site is cleaned up.
You must be logged in to reply to this topic.