What is the primary purpose of a pre-trip inspection?

The primary purpose of a pre-trip inspection is to identify safety issues before operating the vehicle. This process is crucial for ensuring the safety of both the driver and the passengers. During a pre-trip inspection, the driver checks various components of the bus, including brakes, lights, tires, and other essential systems, to ensure everything is in good working order. Identifying potential mechanical problems or safety hazards before getting on the road can help prevent accidents and ensure that the bus operates safely.

Timely departures, while important, are secondary to the safety considerations that come with ensuring the vehicle is in proper working condition. Additionally, while assessing the bus's capability to carry passengers is a part of this inspection, the focus is predominantly on safety. Maintaining cleanliness, though beneficial for comfort and health, does not play a role in the critical safety assessments that are the core of a pre-trip inspection. Thus, the emphasis is clearly on identifying any safety issues to protect all road users.