One of the safest choices drivers and passengers can make is to buckle up.

Party Palace Rentals, Forest Hill, Md., has maintained a safe driving record over the years. That’s an achievement to be proud of, but Jim Shusta, safety supervisor, knows that record occurs only with continued focus.

Driving violations and accidents can have severe consequences — everything from hefty fines and high insurance premiums to the tragic loss of life.

Equipment and event rental businesses that utilize commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in their fleets need to perform certain trip inspections on those vehicles — it’s federal law.

When Kendra Crandell, CIC, ARA Insurance preferred agent with Mount Pleasant Agency, Mount Pleasant, Mich., walks into one of her client’s rental operations, she immediately looks for how many fire extinguishers, first-aid kits and eyewash stations are easily accessible and whether safety procedures are posted as well as the phone numbers for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), her state’s OSHA and other emergency contact numbers that everyone can see quickly and easily.