Master rapid roadside diagnosis and decision-making with our comprehensive on-road triage playbook. Minimize downtime, reduce costs, and ensure driver safety with systematic emergency response protocols designed for heavy fleet operations.
Systematic approach to roadside breakdowns that maximizes safety while minimizing repair time and costs.
On-road triage is a systematic approach to assessing, prioritizing, and managing vehicle breakdowns at the roadside, enabling rapid decision-making for repair, recovery, or replacement actions.
Our playbook provides structured protocols that help drivers and technicians quickly diagnose issues using proven repair time standards, determine repair feasibility, and execute the most cost-effective solution while maintaining safety standards.
| Triage Stage | Target Time | Critical Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Contact | 0-5 min | Safety check, location confirm |
| Remote Diagnosis | 5-15 min | System assessment, resource allocation |
| Decision Point | 15-20 min | Repair/tow/replace determination |
| Response Dispatch | 20-30 min | Resource deployment, ETA communication |
| On-Site Arrival | 45-90 min | Begin repair or recovery operations |
Systematic approach to roadside breakdown management that ensures consistent, cost-effective decisions
Data-driven framework for making optimal roadside repair decisions that balance safety, cost, and operational efficiency.
Typical Time: 30-60 minutes
Success Rate: 95%
Key Tools: Jack, impact wrench, tire gauge, spare tire
Typical Time: 45-90 minutes
Success Rate: 75%
Key Tools: Air fittings, hose clamps, leak detector, tape
Typical Time: 60-120 minutes
Success Rate: 60%
Key Tools: Multimeter, fuses, wire connectors, electrical tape
Get answers to common questions about implementing effective on-road triage protocols
A comprehensive on-road triage kit should include: diagnostic scanner, basic hand tools, emergency triangles/cones, first aid supplies, communication devices, common spare parts (belts, hoses, fuses), fluids, tire repair tools, jump starter, and documentation forms. The kit should be customized based on your fleet's specific vehicles and common failure points.
Repair time standards are established by analyzing historical breakdown data, considering factors like repair complexity, parts availability, technician skill level, and environmental conditions. Generally, if a repair exceeds 2 hours roadside or requires specialized equipment, towing becomes more cost-effective. Regular review and adjustment of these standards based on actual performance is essential.
Drivers should immediately contact dispatch with location, vehicle ID, nature of problem, and safety status. They should provide photos/videos if possible, follow the guided diagnostic questions, update every 30 minutes, and document all actions taken. Clear escalation procedures should be established for after-hours situations or when primary contacts are unavailable.
Technology enhances triage through remote diagnostics via telematics, video support for visual inspections, mobile apps with repair guides and decision trees, GPS tracking for resource dispatch, digital documentation and parts inventory systems, and predictive analytics to prevent breakdowns. Integration of these tools can reduce response time by 40% and improve first-time fix rates by 30%.
Safety priorities include: proper vehicle positioning away from traffic, deploying warning devices at appropriate distances, wearing high-visibility clothing, assessing weather and traffic conditions, using lockout/tagout procedures, never working under unsupported vehicles, and knowing when conditions are too dangerous to attempt repairs. Driver safety always takes precedence over vehicle recovery.
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Transform your breakdown management with our comprehensive on-road triage playbook. Reduce downtime, control costs, and ensure driver safety with proven protocols.
Reduce average breakdown resolution time
Lower emergency repair and towing costs
Increase roadside repair success rate