Running an NEMT, or non-emergency transportation, business requires you to keep track of many things, especially those that easily get overlooked, like pre-trip inspections. It’s easy for drivers to say, “I just drove this vehicle yesterday, it’s fine,” but skipping this crucial step to save time can be disastrous. Simply put, not conducting these inspections can actually cost your business money.
Going beyond compliance, as a pre-trip inspection is a necessary part of regulatory paperwork, skipping them can lead to a number of issues, like injured passengers, problems getting them to appointments on time, costly vehicle downtime, increased liability claims, and most importantly, problems with your insurance.
Perform Thorough Checks Instead of Quick Ones
Skipping an inspection is one thing, but rushing through it is another. After all, you’re dealing with medically vulnerable patients who need to get to their appointments on time. The problem with a quick inspection is that it isn’t thorough. Providing your drivers with a checklist can help with this, and it forces them to document things like small mechanical problems that could become larger problems if they aren’t dealt with immediately. In addition, enforcing these checks prior to leaving your company’s parking lot is a good way to set up safe habits.
Inspecting The Wheelchair Lift
One of the most crucial parts of a NEMT vehicle is the wheelchair lift, so it’s important to spend extra time ensuring that it works properly as a part of every pre-trip inspection. These lifts are prone to breaking and are one of the biggest causes of NEMT patient injuries.
Here are some things to check on wheelchair lifts:
- Check for unusual noises or jerking movements
- Inspect the stability of the platform
- Test the backup safety features
- Verify that handrails and barriers lock correctly
- Look for hydraulic leaks
- Ensure that the lift warning lights function properly
Checking the Straps
The straps attached to the walls and flooring of the NEMT vehicle play a very crucial role in keeping the passengers safe once they’ve boarded. Any worn or frayed straps should be immediately replaced. Your drivers also need to test the locking systems, make sure that the anchor points are properly secure, and confirm that the seatbelts, both shoulder and lap ones, are working correctly.
The Importance of Documentation
A pre-trip inspection is part of the overall documentation process that insurance companies look for when a claim is called in. Train your drivers to keep their paperwork neat and organization, make sure that the inspection results are written down, dated, and initialed, so everything is in order. The better your paperwork, the more likely your claims will go through when needed.
Have Questions? Contact Charlotte Insurance
Want to learn more about NEMT insurance and the importance of pre-trip inspections for your non-emergency transportation company? Contact Charlotte Insurance. Our agents can explore and explain all available options and put together the insurance coverage plan your business needs.