Preoperational Check Flashcards
Mechanical safety of a patrol vehicle rest with _____
the driver.
The driver is responsible for the _____
mechanical safety of a patrol vehicle.
A driver is responsible for inspecting a unit of automotive equipment _____
upon assuming control.
A (vehicle) preoperational check should include,
A visual inspection of the vehicle when it is parked next to other cars can reveal a mechanical issue.
A (tires) preoperational check should include,
Regularly check tire pressure, condition, tread depth, and maintain manufacturer’s recommendations.
A (wheels) preoperational check should include,
While checking the tires, visually inspect each wheel, and the lug nuts if visible. Hairline cracks would normally develop adjacent to center as this is the weakest point of the wheel. Breakage in the area of the rim is rare but still warrants a check.
A (vehicle attitude) preoperational check should include,
Check to see if the vehicle is sitting at a normal attitude,
not leaning to one side.
A (lights) preoperational check should include,
Walk around the vehicle or have another officer assist you while checking high and low beams, turn signals, stop lamps, and emergency equipment.
A (body damage) preoperational check should include,
Look for noticeable dents or scratches and report them.
A (trunk) preoperational check should include,
Inspect to see if the spare tire is inflated. Ensure the jack is complete, and there is a lug wrench, flares, and a
first aid kit. Verify the fire extinguisher is full. Check for any other equipment your Area normally keeps in the vehicle. All items should be safely secured.
Entering the Vehicle: Interior
Check for dirt and trash on the floor that could blow into your face when driving at high speed.
Entering the Vehicle: Adjustments
Adjust the seat and both (all three) mirrors.
Entering the Vehicle: Instruments
Start the engine and check the instrument panel. Ensure the fuel level is full.
Entering the Vehicle: Brakes
Check the brake pedal height by stepping on the brake. Ensure the parking brake works.
Entering the Vehicle: Windows
Examine the windows for cleanliness. Dirty windows can cause eyestrain.
Entering the Vehicle: Equipment
Place your citation book, clipboard, and other personal items where they will not interfere with your driving. Accidents have occurred when loose articles slid across the dash and became lodged in the steering wheel as the officer was rounding a curve. Never place such items on the dashboard.
Entering the Vehicle: Safety Equipment
Make sure all of the seat belts in the vehicle are accessible.
Entering the Vehicle: Seat Belt
While seated, fasten the lap-shoulder belt. Sit up straight when adjusting the lap-shoulder belt. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest. Be sure the seat belt is not twisted as this will bind the retractor mechanism and could interfere with exiting the vehicle quickly when making an enforcement stop.
Placing the Vehicle in Motion: Sounds
Listen for unusual sounds in the vehicle as you leave the Area parking lot. A worn-out disc brake pad can make a metallic scraping sound as the wheels turn. A rhythmic clicking sound can signal loose lug nuts or a cracked wheel.
Placing the Vehicle in Motion: Feel
Check the steering for excessive play, vehicle wandering, or pulling to one side.
The preoperational check should be accomplished
in a few minutes.
A _____ _____ is beneficial to ensure critical items
are not overlooked at the start of each shift.
set pattern
Alertness to signals indicating potential mechanical failure could _____
ultimately save an officer’s life.
Peace officers have an ethical responsibility to
_____
treat all vehicles with care.
A professional attitude leads to _____
a higher standard of care of vehicles and other equipment.
