CSA 2010 Aims to Reduce Trucking Accidents

November 13, 2010

CSA 2010 Aims to Reduce Trucking Accidents

Semi trucks and other commercial vehicles involved in accidents can cause significant damage. Trucks are usually traveling at a high rate of speed with these collisions occur. And because of the size and speed of these vehicles, these accidents can cause serious injuries or death. With that in mind, legislators are making accident reduction a focus when crafting new legislation or regulations. Trucking companies throughout the U.S. are headed for major changes in 2010 and 2011. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is implementing the Comprehensive Safety Analysis 2010 to improve safety on roadways.

According to FMCSA data, there were 118 deaths and over 2,100 injuries in New York trucking accidents in 2008. While this shows a slight decrease from the 2007 numbers, trends nationwide indicate that fatal trucking accidents have leveled out. Numbers never seem to show a substantial decrease, so officials created CSA 2010 to focus on further reducing serious injuries or deaths from that result in trucking accidents.

The initiative will take effect in New York sometime in 2011. Companies have been given additional time to prepare for the measures, however, some states have already started participating. For instance, some trucking companies in New Jersey helped pilot the process throughout 2010 to determine the program's effectiveness. As the initiative rolls out nationwide, drivers and companies will face strict requirements that aim to keep a better eye on the entire fleet.

Rating the Carriers

The project will use a Safety Measurement System (SMS) to measure motor carriers. The SMS will examine the preceding 24 months of data each month to determine how the carriers are progressing. The scores will be compiled using the Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories, or BASICs, to give officials a comprehensive picture of each motor carrier. While drivers will not receive individual BASICSs scores, their driving violations will count against their employer. The BASICs include:
- Unsafe Driving - speeding (including warnings for speeding), driver inattention, failing to yield or other moving violations
- Fatigued Driving (Hours-of-Service) - amount of time drivers spend on the road
- Driver Fitness - hiring trained and licensed drivers
- Controlled Substances/Alcohol - drivers operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol or other drugs
- Vehicle Maintenance - trucks driven need to be in operable condition, and repaired when not meeting roadworthiness standards
- Cargo-Related - loads that become unsecured will count against carriers
- Crash Indicator - amount of accidents for a particular carrier

Additionally, CSA 2010 has implemented new processes for hiring drivers. Drivers who apply for jobs now will have their driving record examined more thoroughly by potential employers. CSA 2010 will compile three years of inspection data for individual drivers, and five years of any accident reports. While motor carrier data is available to the public, information about individual drivers will only be available to the trucking companies since their employees' future infractions will count against the carrier.

Punishments for Deficiencies in BASICs Categories

For motor carriers that have high BASICs scores, CSA will calls for a carrier intervention. The intervention process has three categories, depending upon the type of infraction. The first category is early contact, which can be a warning letter or additional roadside inspections. Continued safety violations could result in additional penalties. The second category is inspection, which could take place at locations in the field or at company headquarters. Following up is the final category, which checks companies for compliance with plans put in place. Carriers that fail to meet these requirements may find themselves removed from the road.

Impact on Drivers in New York City

The goal of CSA 2010 is to take unsafe drivers and carriers off the road. However, accidents will still happen despite these strict requirements in place. Drivers may face tighter deadlines simply because of the shrinking hiring pool. Forcing drivers to continually be on the move could create the potential for more serious accidents.

When you have questions about the safety record of a motor carrier, CSA 2010 will offer this information at your fingertips. You will have access to specific carrier violations, which could be crucial to building your case against a negligent truck operator. If you have been injured in a trucking accident, you will also want to contact an experienced attorney in your area to learn about available compensation.

Article provided by Sakkas, Cahn & Weiss, LLP
Visit us at www.sakkascahn.com