Before driving a sanitation vehicle, inspect for damage and operational issues.

Outline:

• Why pre-drive checks matter, with a human angle

• The key step that stands above the rest

• A practical, friendly checklist for a walk-around

• Red flags and what to do about them

• A easy, repeatable routine that fits into a busy morning

• Real-world vibes: staying safe out there

• Final takeaway: safety as a team effort

Before you roll: the most important pre-trip step

Every morning on the job, sanitation workers head out into the maze of streets, alleys, and busy intersections. It’s a job that keeps communities clean and healthy, but it also comes with real risks. That’s why a simple, purposeful ritual matters: a walk-around inspection of the vehicle before you drive. And the bottom line, the step that matters most, is this: inspect for damage and operational issues.

Let me explain why this matters. If you skip it, you might miss a small crack in a hose, a loose light, or a sluggish brake that only shows up when you’re cruising down a hill or maneuvering around a tight corner. These aren’t cosmetic problems. They’re safety problems. They affect your control, your visibility, and how reliably the vehicle responds when you need it most. It’s not just about avoiding a breakdown; it’s about preventing an accident that could impact you, your crew, and the people you pass along the route.

A practical walk-around: what to look for, step by step

Think of the walk-around as a quick health check for the truck. It doesn’t have to take long, but you should be thorough enough to catch the obvious signs of trouble. Here’s a practical, no-fluss checklist you can use, in plain terms.

Exterior and structure

• Look for leaks under the vehicle and around the engine bay: oil, coolant, fuel, hydraulic fluid—any puddles or damp spots can spell trouble.

• Check the body and undercarriage for new dents, loose panels, or signs of impact. A small ding can hide a bigger issue if it’s a crack in a load-bearing area.

• Inspect the hopper, compactor arms, and discharge area (if you’re driving a garbage truck). Look for hydraulic leaks, oil seepage, or anything that seems loose or out of alignment.

• Check the tires and wheels: tread depth, cuts, bulges, sidewall cracking, and proper inflation. A tire with low pressure or a hidden bulge can blow out at the worst moment.

• Examine the rims for cracks or obvious damage. A bent rim or a loose lug can lead to wheel failure.

Brakes and steering

• Press the brake pedal. It should feel firm, not spongy, and there should be no grinding or unusual vibrations. Make sure the parking brake holds when engaged.

• If the vehicle has a pump or hydraulic braking assist, listen for unusual noises or a soft pedal—these can signal a hydraulic issue that needs attention.

Lights, signals, and visibility

• Test headlights, tail lights, brake lights, and turn signals. Work the hazard lights too, because you’ll need them in low visibility or when you’re parked on a busy street.

• Check the warning beacons or any mounted cameras or sensors. Clear away dirt or grime that could block a sensor.

• Wipe and inspect mirrors and the windshield. Cracks or chips in the glass can spread, and a dirty or fogged windshield reduces visibility.

Wipers, fluids, and hoses

• Ensure the wipers do their job and that the blades aren’t split or warped. Check the washer fluid level.

• Look at hoses and hoses connections under the hood and around the hydraulic system. Cracks, swelling, or leaks are red flags.

• Check fluid levels, including engine oil, coolant, and hydraulic fluid. Low levels can indicate leaks or when a component isn’t at its proper operating temperature.

Interior cab and safety gear

• Buckle and check the seat belt. Make sure it latches properly and isn’t frayed.

• Glance at the dashboard for warning lights. If any light stays on, note it and address it before moving.

• Ensure fire extinguisher, first aid kit, and any spill kits are present and intact.

Special note for sanitation units

• If you’re driving a street sweeper or garbage vehicle, pay extra attention to the hydraulic system that operates the body, the hopper, and the compactor. Look for damp areas near hydraulic lines and verify the gate or hopper floor is secure and aligned.

Red flags: what to do if you spot trouble

If a problem shows up, don’t pretend you didn’t see it. A quick pause to address concerns can prevent a roadside emergency. Here are sensible steps:

• If there’s a minor issue you can safely fix (like wiping a foggy mirror or tightening a loose fuse, if you’re trained to do so), take care of it and re-check.

• For anything larger—fluid leaks, a damaged tire, a cracked wheel, a malfunctioning brake—do not drive. Notify your supervisor or dispatch, tag the vehicle if your organization uses a tagging system, and arrange for maintenance or a tow if needed.

• Keep a simple log of issues you notice, so you’re not guessing later. A quick note on your phone or in a small notebook can save a lot of time and confusion.

A light, repeatable routine that fits into a busy morning

Great habits stick when they’re simple and repeatable. Try this compact sequence:

1. Step outside and do a quick visual sweep along the sides and under the vehicle. Look for fresh oil trails, drips, or missing hardware.

2. Start at the front and move around clockwise: test lights, check tires, check the brakes feel, verify mirrors, and inspect the windshield and wipers.

3. Peek inside the cab: belts, gauges, warning lights, and seat position.

4. Quick check of specialized components (hopper door, compactor controls, hydraulic lines) if you operate that equipment.

5. Ring the bell in your head: “All systems go.” If anything seems off, pause, address, and, if needed, report.

In the field: staying sharp and mindful

The road is never perfectly calm. Morning light can be blinding, rain slicks the pavement, and pedestrians are everywhere. The pre-drive check isn’t just about the vehicle—it’s about your readiness to handle the day’s unpredictable moments.

• Pace yourself. A steady rhythm keeps you focused; rushing often leads to misses.

• Communicate. If you notice a bit of noise or a sensation while you’re driving that wasn’t there before, mention it to dispatch or your supervisor before you push on.

• Remember the human element. You’re sharing streets with kids walking to school, families heading to work, and workers at curbside. A safe, well-maintained vehicle reduces risk for everyone.

Tools and habits that help you stay on top of it

• A reliable flashlight and a compact tire gauge are cheap insurance. Keeping them in the cab or tool bin makes inspections easier, even in the early morning or after a night shift.

• A small notebook or a digital note app helps you record small issues while they’re fresh. It’s easier to fix something promptly when you don’t have to chase down part numbers later.

• A quick checklist posted on the cab door or inside the glove box can serve as a constant reminder of what to verify each day.

• If your fleet uses telematics or onboard cameras, a quick glance at the data after a shift can confirm you didn’t miss a warning light or a fault code.

Common sense, common-sense caveats

You’ll hear people say, “Just get in and drive.” That’s the exact kind of thinking that leads to trouble. The truth is simple: safety is built on discipline, and discipline starts with something as ordinary as a walk-around. It’s the quiet, steady practice that keeps everyone safer, longer.

A few real-world quirks that remind us why this matters

• In wet weather, tires lose grip and visibility is reduced. A thorough exterior check becomes doubly important.

• In city traffic, a small brake or steering quirk can quickly become a hazard. A quick check and, if needed, a halt can prevent a chaotic situation on a crowded street.

• In colder months, fluids take longer to reach the right temperature, and hoses can become stiff. A proactive look can catch a crack or leak before it becomes a problem on the road.

Final thoughts: safety as a shared routine

This step—inspecting for damage and operational issues before you drive—acts as the first line of defense. It’s a simple act with big consequences. It protects you, your coworkers, and the people who live along the routes you service. It also keeps the vehicle itself in good health, reducing downtime and repair costs.

If there’s a single takeaway, it’s this: take a few minutes to look things over thoroughly, calmly, and consistently. The time you invest in a careful inspection pays back in safer streets, smoother shifts, and a stronger sense of confidence as you roll out to do your crucial work. And when you make this routine a habit, you’re not just operating a vehicle—you’re safeguarding a community.