For many organisations managing fleets, vehicle safety is critical. Daily vehicle checks help prevent accidents, reduce maintenance costs, and ensure compliance with road safety regulations. However, if these checks aren’t properly monitored, issues can go unnoticed—leading to breakdowns, costly repairs, and potential legal risks.
Using a telematics system to track vehicle checks not only improves safety but also ensures that your fleet remains compliant and roadworthy. In this post, we’ll explore why monitoring staff vehicle checks is so important and how technology can help streamline the process.
Why Are Vehicle Checks Important?
Daily vehicle checks are essential for identifying potential faults before they turn into major issues. Whether it’s a tyre with low tread, faulty lights, or engine problems, catching these defects early can prevent breakdowns and accidents.
Key benefits of regular vehicle checks include:
- ✅ Improved safety – Spotting defects early reduces the risk of breakdowns and accidents.
- ✅ Lower maintenance costs – Addressing minor issues early prevents costly repairs.
- ✅ Regulatory compliance – Helps meet road safety laws and industry regulations.
- ✅ Reduced downtime – Keeping vehicles in good condition ensures they stay on the road.
According to the UK’s Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), fleet operators are legally required to complete daily walkaround vehicle checks to ensure roadworthiness (source). Failure to carry out these checks can result in fines, vehicle prohibitions, or even legal action in the event of an accident.
Despite these benefits, many businesses struggle with ensuring that vehicle checks are completed properly and consistently. That’s where monitoring comes in.
The Risks of Unmonitored Vehicle Checks
When vehicle checks are not monitored, businesses face several risks:
🚨 Missed or incomplete checks – Without a tracking system, there’s no way to verify if checks are done thoroughly or at all.
🚨 Increased risk of breakdowns – Minor issues that go unnoticed can turn into serious mechanical failures.
🚨 Legal and compliance risks – Failing to complete proper vehicle checks can lead to fines or legal action if a vehicle is involved in an accident.
🚨 Higher costs – Emergency repairs and vehicle downtime can have a significant financial impact.
A study by Brake, the UK road safety charity, found that 30% of companies have had an employee involved in a crash due to a vehicle fault that could have been prevented with proper checks.
Without a clear process in place, businesses rely on manual records or verbal confirmation, making it easy for issues to slip through the cracks.
How Telematics Can Help Monitor Vehicle Checks
A telematics system, such as Transpoco’s fleet management solution, simplifies vehicle check monitoring by automating the process. Here’s how it works:
1. Digital Vehicle Checks
Instead of relying on paper checklists, drivers can complete daily vehicle checks through a mobile app. This ensures that reports are logged instantly and accessible to fleet managers in real time.
2. Instant Alerts for Defects
If a fault is detected, the system can flag it immediately, allowing fleet managers to take action before it becomes a bigger problem. This prevents vehicles with safety risks from being used.
3. Compliance Tracking
Telematics provides a full record of completed vehicle checks, making it easy to prove compliance with road safety regulations. If an audit occurs, businesses have digital proof that checks have been carried out consistently.
4. Reduced Admin Work
Manual paperwork can be time-consuming and prone to errors. A digital system streamlines the process, reducing admin work while improving accuracy.
Keeping Your Fleet Safe and Roadworthy
By monitoring vehicle checks with telematics, businesses can ensure that all vehicles are regularly inspected and that any issues are addressed before they lead to costly breakdowns or safety risks.
With Transpoco’s fleet management system, businesses can:
✔ Improve fleet safety
✔ Reduce maintenance costs
✔ Ensure regulatory compliance
✔ Keep vehicles on the road and avoid unexpected downtime
Further Reading:
- Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness – DVSA
- Work-Related Road Safety – HSE
- Fleet Safety Statistics – Brake UK
Want to improve vehicle safety in your fleet? Contact Transpoco today
