The Safety Measurement System (SMS), a program operated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), gathers information about commercial drivers to prioritize those who require a safety intervention. Drivers chosen for intervention will first receive a letter explaining the reasons along with any specific actions the agency plans to take. The goal is to correct unsafe driving behaviors as early as possible or get certain drivers off the road if necessary.
Safety
We don’t have to tell you that trucking businesses face a lot of risks. The roads aren’t always the safest place, and that’s why it’s so important to take steps to emphasize and improve safety at your truck business. While this is beneficial because it will lessen the chance of your drivers and employees getting hurt, safety can also help you avoid truck insurance claims. In turn, that can help your truck insurance rates.
The following articles give suggestions and tips for improving different areas of safety at your business. Take some time to check out the various topics that we explore in the articles. We’ll explain the dangers of distracted driving, the importance of pre-trip vehicle inspections and preventive maintenance, why you should always wear a seatbelt, and more. Safety is an ongoing process, so it’s important to always be looking for ways to make your business a little safer. The following articles might help you think of ways to do that.
Clearinghouse registration has now opened
On January 6, 2020, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will release an online database called the Clearinghouse that provides real-time information about driver drug and alcohol violations. Those who can access the data include the FMCSA, employers, state driver license agencies (SDLA), and state law enforcement personnel. We’ll go over what you should know about Clearinghouse registration.
Are seatbelts required in commercial motor vehicles?
As a commercial driver, you do your best to keep yourself and others safe every day. One thing you may wonder about as you consider safety in your commercial vehicle is whether the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) requires these vehicles to have working seatbelts. The short answer to this question is yes. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), under the guidance of the DOT, requires seatbelt installation under Section 49 CFR 393.93 of its Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR).
Read moreAre seatbelts required in commercial motor vehicles?
What is the trucking Innovative Technology Deployment (ITD) Program?
The Innovative Technology Deployment Program, or ITD, is part of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) efforts to improve the safety of motor vehicles. We’ll explain more about this important program.
Read moreWhat is the trucking Innovative Technology Deployment (ITD) Program?
Can certain medications disqualify a CMV driver?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) bears the responsibility of protecting Americans by making the roads safer. As part of its commitment to the public, the FMCSA requires drivers to undergo and pass medical certification once every two years. Drivers with certain health conditions such as diabetes will need more frequent exams. Testing for compliance with the FMCSA’s drug and alcohol policy is part of this exam. The medical examiner will deem drivers whose test results indicate the use of certain substances as medically unqualified to drive a commercial vehicle. There are rules about medications for CMV drivers.
What is the trucking PRISM system?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) implemented the Performance and Registration Information System Management (PRISM) to reduce the number of crashes, fatalities, and injuries caused by or involving commercial drivers. The primary goal of PRISM is to empower state law enforcement agencies to identify motor carriers with significant safety violations on their driving record. Upon doing so, local law enforcement officials can encourage commercial drivers to take accountability for their actions through sanctions and registration.
Brake Safety Inspection Week Blitz is September 15 to 21
Every year since 1998, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has sponsored Brake Safety Inspection week in September. This year’s event, which takes place between Sunday, September 15 and Saturday, September 21, will feature random roadside inspections on commercial vehicles located throughout North America. The CVSA works in close association with law enforcement officials to conduct approximately 30,000 surprise inspections each year during Brake Safety Inspection Week.
Read moreBrake Safety Inspection Week Blitz is September 15 to 21
How do I request a trucking medical exemption or waiver?
As part of its commitment to keep America’s roadways safe, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires all drivers to submit to regular physical exams. Those with a known condition such as diabetes or vision problems that could impact safety must carry a medical card from the Department of Transportation (DOT). The DOT operates an exemption program for drivers who typically drive interstate, which means they travel outside of their state of origin and potentially out of the country.
Read moreHow do I request a trucking medical exemption or waiver?
What is the FMCSA Clearinghouse for truckers?
The FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) is rolling out a new program called Clearinghouse, and it will usher in some big changes for truckers. It’s going to be operational in January 2020, and that’s going to be here before we know it.
What does the FMCSA do?
The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) established the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) on January 1, 2000. This was in response to passage of the 1999 Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act. Prior to the 1999 legislation, the FMCSA was one division of the Federal Highway Administration. The primary purpose of the FMCSA is to prevent injuries and fatalities caused by commercial drivers. It employs approximately 1,000 people and maintains its headquarters in Washington, D.C.