In an effort to protect drivers and pedestrians, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has begun to crack down on risky behavior for truck drivers and their employers. The Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) program was created to help enforce the rules and regulations provided by the FMCSA and encourage adherence.<\/p>\n
Among other things, the CSA program requires that drivers:<\/p>\n
The Safety Measurement System (SMS) is a number-based system that electronically tracks a truck driver\u2019s adherence to safety regulations. Using input regarding reported crashes, roadside inspections, Hours of Service compliance, maintenance records, and hazardous materials compliance, the organization quantifies a driver\u2019s overall performance from a safety standpoint. These drivers are then compared with their peers to receive a percentile ranking, with 100 percent being the worst performance.<\/p>\n
As listed previously, there are many factors that influence a driver\u2019s rating. These can include:<\/p>\n
Ratings can be affected when a driver has a history of negligent or dangerous behavior while behind the wheel. Examples include careless lane changes or turns\u2014often without using turn signals, exceeding the speed limit, distracted driving and other reckless actions.<\/p>\n
Truck drivers are prohibited from searching the web, texting, inputting information in a GPS device, dialing phone numbers, reading or other activities typically performed on electronic devices. While they may not handle these devices, however, they are able to utilize hands-free technology while transporting cargo.<\/p>\n
The Hours of Service regulations limit the amount of time a driver can spend behind the wheel before taking breaks. For instance, drivers are required to take a minimum 10-hour break after 11 hours of driving\u2014and drivers may not exceed 14 hours of driving in a day when breaks are also included. These rules are intended to prevent drowsy driving and promote alertness for drivers.<\/p>\n
Use of alcohol or controlled substances while behind the wheel can be dangerous for everyone on the road. Any history of abusing these substances while driving is likely to be reflected in a driver\u2019s rating.<\/p>\n
Trucks must meet federal requirements for transporting hazardous materials, including proper marking and other safety measures related to a particular substance. During an inspection, law enforcement personnel typically check for adherence to these regulations.<\/p>\n
Severe or frequent crashes\u2014particularly those involving injuries or wrongful deaths\u2014will be reflected in a driver\u2019s history.<\/p>\n
Not only are drivers required to perform regular maintenance on their vehicles\u2014they are also required to log these observations and address any issues that come up. This includes faulty or inadequate brakes, bad tires, missing lights or reflective gear, and other mechanical issues.<\/p>\n
Certain health conditions, such as sleep apnea, may prevent a driver from returning to work until he or she is deemed safe to drive by a physician.<\/p>\n
A truck\u2019s weight is measured regularly while on the road. Truckers who fail to adhere to maximum weight requirements may be unable to stop in time to avoid a collision. As such, overweight vehicles may affect drivers\u2019 safety ratings.<\/p>\n
Drivers are expected to speak English at a minimum fluency, and must be able to provide information related to the vehicle\u2019s contents, its destination and place of origin, the driver\u2019s employer (if applicable), insurance information, certifications, medical history and maintenance logs.<\/p>\n