Preoperational Check

Question 1

Mechanical safety of a patrol vehicle rest with _____

Answer 1

the driver.

Question 2

The driver is responsible for the _____

Answer 2

mechanical safety of a patrol vehicle.

Question 3

A driver is responsible for inspecting a unit of automotive equipment _____

Answer 3

upon assuming control.

Question 4

A (vehicle) preoperational check should include,

Answer 4

A visual inspection of the vehicle when it is parked next to other cars can reveal a mechanical issue.

Question 5

A (tires) preoperational check should include,

Answer 5

Regularly check tire pressure, condition, tread depth, and maintain manufacturer’s recommendations.

Question 6

A (wheels) preoperational check should include,

Answer 6

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.

Question 7

A (vehicle attitude) preoperational check should include,

Answer 7

Check to see if the vehicle is sitting at a normal attitude,
not leaning to one side.

Question 8

A (lights) preoperational check should include,

Answer 8

Walk around the vehicle or have another officer assist you while checking high and low beams, turn signals, stop lamps, and emergency equipment.

Question 9

A (body damage) preoperational check should include,

Answer 9

Look for noticeable dents or scratches and report them.

Question 10

A (trunk) preoperational check should include,

Answer 10

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.

Question 11

Entering the Vehicle: Interior

Answer 11

Check for dirt and trash on the floor that could blow into your face when driving at high speed.

Question 12

Entering the Vehicle: Adjustments

Answer 12

Adjust the seat and both (all three) mirrors.

Question 13

Entering the Vehicle: Instruments

Answer 13

Start the engine and check the instrument panel. Ensure the fuel level is full.

Question 14

Entering the Vehicle: Brakes

Answer 14

Check the brake pedal height by stepping on the brake. Ensure the parking brake works.

Question 15

Entering the Vehicle: Windows

Answer 15

Examine the windows for cleanliness. Dirty windows can cause eyestrain.

Question 16

Entering the Vehicle: Equipment

Answer 16

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.

Question 17

Entering the Vehicle: Safety Equipment

Answer 17

Make sure all of the seat belts in the vehicle are accessible.

Question 18

Entering the Vehicle: Seat Belt

Answer 18

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.

Question 19

Placing the Vehicle in Motion: Sounds

Answer 19

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.

Question 20

Placing the Vehicle in Motion: Feel

Answer 20

Check the steering for excessive play, vehicle wandering, or pulling to one side.

Question 21

The preoperational check should be accomplished

Answer 21

in a few minutes.

Question 22

A _____ _____ is beneficial to ensure critical items

are not overlooked at the start of each shift.

Answer 22

set pattern

Question 23

Alertness to signals indicating potential mechanical failure could _____

Answer 23

ultimately save an officer’s life.

Question 24

Peace officers have an ethical responsibility to

_____

Answer 24

treat all vehicles with care.

Question 25

A professional attitude leads to _____

Answer 25

a higher standard of care of vehicles and other equipment.