To minimize road incidents and ensure the safety of both drivers and vehicles, fleet managers must equip their drivers with best-in-class tools and equipment. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reports that nearly 29% of commercial vehicle incidents in the past year resulted from brake failure. This staggering statistic emphasizes the need for reliable trailer brakes and lights during trips and deliveries. Regularly maintaining and testing this equipment not only supports safety but also optimizes productivity, streamlines efficiency and reduces costs.
In this blog, MICHELIN Connected Fleet outlines five key points about trailer breaks and lights and how they contribute to improved safety and efficiency for drivers and their vehicles.
Brakes and lights are essential safety components for trucks and trailers. From ensuring visibility during poor weather conditions to providing the control needed for safe, quick stops, it is vital that both systems are functioning properly and maintained regularly. When trailer brakes and lights are in optimal condition, fleet managers can rest assured that their drivers and vehicles are safe and their operations are moving forward.
Like all equipment, trailer brakes or lights are subject to wear over time, increasing the risk of potential breakdowns or roadside incidents. Regular vehicle inspections can help identify premature wear and tear, extending the lifetime of your vehicle while preventing operational downtime and wasted resources.
By adopting a proactive maintenance plan, fleet managers can effectively monitor vehicle health and track key performance parameters like brake and light functionality, fuel usage and driver behavior. With the help of connected fleet technology, you’ll know exactly when repairs or replacements are needed, reducing the risk of breakdowns and ensuring vehicle and driver safety.
Investing in high-quality trailer brakes and lights can support long-term savings, improved productivity and enhanced safety. Operating with unreliable or faulty equipment can result in unplanned maintenance events and operational downtime, leading to significant business impacts. Not to mention, malfunctioning brake systems can negatively impact your fuel economy, increasing consumption and driving up costs over time.
Repairing or upgrading your trailer brakes and lights when necessary can reduce downtime, increase ROI and boost driver safety. By prioritizing quality, fleet businesses not only optimize efficiency but also protect their bottom line.
Operating within federal and state compliance regulations helps ensure you’re running both a safe and efficient fleet. Fleet managers can utilize electronic logging devices (ELDs) to monitor fleet operations and confirm vehicle equipment complies with hours-of-service regulations (HOS). Conducting brake and light inspections pre- and post-trip is vital to your equipment meeting compliance requirements. For more information about trailer fleet brake and light compliance, visit The Department of Transportation (DOT)’s website.
Connected fleet technology, like that from MICHELIN Connected Fleet, provides fleet managers with data and insights to optimize trailer brake and light performance. Vehicle tracking monitors driver behavior in real-time, sending alerts for actions like harsh braking and idling that can impact equipment wear. With this data, fleet managers can make informed decisions about maintenance, ensure vehicles are in top condition and reduce the risks of breakdowns or accidents.
Protecting drivers and all those on the road is the primary goal of any fleet manager. This starts with safe, reliable equipment. Arming your drivers and trailers with quality brake systems and proper lighting can help reduce roadside accidents and safeguard vehicle health, all while guaranteeing compliance and reducing costs. MICHELIN Connected Fleet provides the technology you need to maintain trailer equipment and keep your trucks moving forward. If you’re ready to start streamlining your fleet’s operations, contact us today.