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Regular and responsive maintenance helps to prevent injuries and other vehicle related incidents

Summary

A department-owned, U of A vehicle was brought into the Transportation Services garage with a front end concern. The driver described hearing a loud noise and feeling shaking beneath the driver’s seat. The garage technician identified a serious mechanical issue where the truck's left front brake pad was worn to the extent that the brake was no longer functioning safely.

The truck had undergone regular maintenance in June 2025; however, the brake issue had not been identified at that time. The staff member was correct to take the vehicle in when a problem was identified between maintenance cycles.

Consequences

Improper vehicle maintenance could lead to costly repairs as well as hazardous driving conditions. In this case, the technician identified improper brake performance, which can result in longer stopping distances, loss of control, and potentially catastrophic collisions with vehicles or pedestrians.

Culture of Care

The Culture of Care Safety Action Plan calls for an environment where hazards are identified and controlled. All departments/researchers are responsible for ensuring the vehicles that are being used are safe for themselves, their employees and the public.

Call to Action

Everyone who drives a U of A vehicle must report all vehicle related concerns to their supervisor, including near misses and unsafe conditions, and submit an incident report. Departments/researchers must ensure that vehicles, owned by or assigned to their department, are properly maintained and regularly serviced. This incident is a reminder to:

1. Check your vehicle’s maintenance requirements.
2. Check the maintenance log to ensure it is up to date.
3. Book maintenance as required by the vehicle manual or U of A
4. Follow up promptly with Transportation Services where additional maintenance may be required.

For more information about fleet maintenance services at the university, visit U of A Transportation Services. 

The ¶®É«µÛ is committed to the safety, health and well-being of our faculty, staff and students. Every day, we advance this commitment to safety through the Culture of Care: Safety Action Plan.