This week marks the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) annual Brake Safety Week. The organization’s ongoing goal is to increase the industry’s awareness of brake safety and help ensure that commercial vehicles remain safe and compliant. A properly inspected and well-maintained brake system results in safe braking, which helps to reduce the number of highway crashes caused by faulty brakes.
To avoid violations, CVSA recommends thorough brake inspections as noted in their vehicle inspection checklist here. Mandated by the Department of Transportation (DOT), Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIRs) provide another excellent way for commercial fleets and operators to maintain safe brakes and a compliant vehicle. DVIRs can also identify and address issues with other essential vehicle components and systems, such as fuel tank, lights, tire pressure, etc.
Lytx DVIR
To help fleets quickly and easily maintain brake systems and a compliant vehicle, Lytx® launched their DVIR solution in July 2022. It provides drivers and fleet managers with a comprehensive, yet simplified, electronic option for vehicles outside the ELD mandate and includes a customizable checklist that can be seamlessly accessed through the Lytx Driver App and Lytx Account. Drivers simply sign into the Driver App using their existing Lytx account to complete each inspection from their smartphone or tablet. To enhance reports and help mechanics better understand issues with a vehicle or trailer, drivers can upload photos and video (up to 3 seconds) to save valuable time and expedite repairs.
**New DVIR Enhancements**
To further help fleets stay on top of their brake systems and overall vehicle safety, Lytx DVIR has recently added four new enhancements to help drivers and fleet managers perform more thorough and proactive reporting, as well as further streamline their maintenance programs.
- Walkaround Photos – Drivers can now be instructed to capture and submit four walkaround photos via the Driver App, giving managers a more complete 360-degree view of the current condition of the vehicle.
- Multiple Inspection Lists – Managers who require periodic supplemental inspections can now create multiple lists for select vehicles and trailers that direct drivers to inspect specific items.
- Email Notifications – To avoid constantly checking each individual DVIR, managers can stay on top of key issues by opting to receive new proactive email notifications that can be customized based on specific items, such as the type of vehicle defect (major, minor, both, etc.).
- Scheduler Enhancement – For fleet managers who prefer more flexibility and customization when scheduling periodic inspections, the new scheduler enhancement tool allows for routine maintenance inspections to be set up in advance and tracked for a specific time period (daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, yearly).
- Tablet Viewing Optimization – Drivers using tablets now have an improved viewing and user experience with workflows and functions.
Take Control of Operating Costs
Whether the goal is to cut costs, save time, improve efficiencies, increase safety, or all of the above, Lytx DVIR provides customizable options for fleets of all shapes and sizes looking to simplify and digitally transform their operations. Enabling drivers to more easily identify issues can help companies reduce downtime and save money on costly maintenance and compliance violations. A properly inspected vehicle also reduces the chances of equipment failure and highway crashes caused by vehicle component malfunctions such as faulty brake systems. By putting the power of digital reporting at the fingertips of the front-line drivers and fleet managers, companies can quickly ensure compliance and develop customized DVIR plans that can maximize their operations, the health of their fleets, and the safety of their drivers.
For more on Lytx DVIR, please visit the official product page here.