The truth is that for many organisations, they are a necessary evil. They’re important, but also distracting and frustrating. Drivers just want to drive!
Despite their reputation for being a bit of a pain, we’re champions of the walkaround check, and believe that there are ways of gaining the benefits without all the headache
The Basic Walkaround Check
Walkaround checks are about vigilance. They’re a practical, common-sense way of catching potential problems - from tire issues to leaks - before they cause a significant issue. They’re not just about being able to hand a piece of paper over to an inspector; it’s a critical evaluation of a vehicle’s readiness for the road.
The Cost of Traditional Walk-around Checks
Traditionally, walkaround checks have been reliant on a lot of clipboards, paper, box-ticking and filing. Which is why walkaround checks can be difficult for managers to consistently enforce.
Plus, paper-based systems are prone to loss, damage and inaccuracies, which can lead to compliance issues and a lack of accountability. Not to mention how much time and money can be lost carrying out checks.
In short, the challenge is encouraging drivers to complete thorough, consistently, checks whilst limiting the associated costs.
The Walkaround Culture
It’s completely fair to be wondering what walk-around culture is, because we just made it up. What we’re referring to is the attitude your organisation has towards walk-around checks, from driver to the directors. A positive culture is one where checks are completed consistently, accurately and enthusiastically. A negative culture is one where checks are completed resentfully, and therefore poorly and inconsistently. Here’s a couple of examples of what a positive walk-around culture looks like.
Compliance Is a Safety Issue
The main goal of the walk-around check isn’t to stay compliant, it’s to stay safe. That’s the cultural attitude that makes walk-around checks less painful. Afterall, a safe fleet benefits everyone, particularly drivers!
The Human Touch in Walk-around Checks
Although the checks themselves might seem straightforward, they require a keen eye. Drivers should not just be going through the motions, they're actively engaging with the vehicle, understanding its condition, and ensuring it meets safety standards. This hands-on approach fosters a sense of responsibility and awareness, making it an integral part of a safety-conscious fleet culture.
The Digital Leap: Walkaround Checks App
We believe that technology is the surest way of getting the benefits of walk-around checks whilst avoiding the pitfalls.
The transition to digital solutions for walk-around checks offers a solution to these challenges. Digital platforms can simplify the process, making it easier for drivers to conduct thorough inspections and instantly log the results. This not only saves time but also enhances the accuracy and reliability of the records. Digital records are easy to store, access, and review, providing a clear audit trail for compliance and maintenance planning.
Our Walkaround Checks App
With our Walkaround Checks App, you can have drivers complete their walk-around checks via their mobile phones. This makes the process efficient and avoids errors.
- 100% compliance
- No more wasted paper spreadsheets or checklists
- Save time and improve efficiency
- All events recorded in the walk-around dashboard
