What is the first step of the pre-trip inspection for drivers?

The first step of the pre-trip inspection is to ensure seatbelt use. This is crucial because wearing a seatbelt is essential for safety as soon as the driver enters the vehicle. Before any other inspection steps take place, the driver must be securely fastened to ensure they are protected in the event of an accident.

When the driver ensures that their seatbelt is in place, it sets a safety-first mindset for the entire inspection process. After confirming the seatbelt is in use, the driver can proceed to other critical components of the vehicle, such as adjusting mirrors or checking tire pressure, which are also important for safe operation but come after establishing personal safety.