A 2003 report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that flat tires and tire blowouts were responsible for over 78,000 crashes and over 10,000 injuries. With summer days away, many American families are preparing to hit the road for vacation.
At Double D Distribution, we know that it’s our responsibility to keep our drivers, other drivers and the highways they drive on safe. That’s why we’re committed to preventive tire maintenance day-in-and-day-out. We achieve this in a variety of ways.
Visual inspections. Before hitting the road, all of our drivers are required to perform a visual inspection of their cab and trailer. A gauge is used to monitor PSI, and if any of the tires are under pressure, they’re inflated to adequate levels. During this inspection, tire threads and valve caps are also monitored for integrity.
Cleaning. A clean semi is a happy semi. Our fleet is regularly washed and waxed and no crack or cranny is ever spared. At least 15 minutes of our general washing process is focused on the tires, hubcaps, and wheel trims. By eradicating dirt, grime, and debris, we’re able to catch any structural issues like cracks or chips right away.
Drivers that understand tires. Tires can last for quite a while if they’re cared for, which is why we hire only the best drivers to man our fleet. Each of our team members is trained to drive in a variety of weather conditions and know that practices like heavy braking or improper maintenance can lead to wear and tear. We challenge all of our drivers to improve their skills, achieving both safety and service.
If you see any of our trucks on the road this summer, know that we’re strong proponents of tire safety. Happy driving!