Performance under the Unsafe Driving CSA BASIC category can impact your CSA score. MVR monitoring can help keep that performance at an all-time high.
If you’ve been following along with our DOT recordkeeping series, you may remember our recent articles on some of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) seven Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories (BASICs), such as the …
Comparing percentile metrics from other motor carriers, these BASICs rank your safety performance and compliance.
While the above BASIC categories are just as important, you need to keep another one in mind: the Unsafe Driving BASIC. Just like the others, your performance in this BASIC impacts your CSA score, and it can be the deciding factor between a safe trip down the road or a severe accident that changes lives forever.
What is the Unsafe Driving BASIC?
The Unsafe Driving BASIC addresses FMCSA requirements 49 CFR Parts 392 and 397. It refers to the unsafe operation of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) by drivers in a dangerous or careless manner while hauling general or hazardous freight. It is in place to help prevent violations as a result of reckless driving.
A motor carrier may rank poorly in this BASIC if any of their drivers are caught speeding, driving recklessly, changing lanes improperly, or driving distracted, whether they are transporting hazardous materials or not.
How can performance be improved under the Unsafe Driving BASIC?
Companies should ensure that prospective drivers will drive safely by running MVR checks on applicants, checking with previous employers and references, and obtaining necessary documents regarding drivers’ safety performance for the last three years. A detailed written record of each inquiry should be kept.
In addition, an MVR monitoring program can help carriers discover moving violations their drivers have committed between the required annual checks, as some employees may not outrightly inform them of the infractions.
Using MVR monitoring, employers can detect unsafe driving habits, work with drivers to address them quickly, and take corrective action before an accident occurs.
34% of driver violations can be prevented with Foley’s MVR Monitoring
Regularly reminding drivers that their driving habits can be the difference between a safe trip and an unfortunate accident should be one of every motor carrier’s top priorities. Sharing daily safety tips, rewarding safe driving decisions, and providing thorough training are all actionable methods of improving driver safety.
What are the recordkeeping requirements for the Unsafe Driving BASIC?
Motor vehicle reports (MVRs) must be run on applicants for the previous three years in all states where the applicant held a license. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure MVR checks are run no less than once every 12 months once the applicant is employed.
Along with the annual MVR checks, employers must require drivers to submit a list of any moving violations they received over the previous 12 months. If no violations occurred, documentation must be maintained that the employee has indicated such.
As for the hazardous materials portion of this BASIC, if a driver is transporting Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 (Class A or Class B) explosives, they must have a written route plan from their employer and they must follow that plan to safely deliver the explosive materials. Employers should prepare the route plan and give the driver a copy to keep on their person.
Let Foley Help You Improve Your Unsafe Driving BASIC Performance
No one wants risky drivers representing their company, and you don’t have to. Using an MVR monitoring program like Foley’s gives you a first-hand look at your employees’ driving habits without having to physically sit in the cab with them.
On an ongoing basis, the automated program actively provides an MVR check for truck drivers to help you easily identify reckless driving practices, address any concerns you may have, and put corrective action plans in place before an accident or out-of-service issue comes along.
If any of your enrolled drivers commit a violation, like speeding, you’ll receive a real-time e-notification. Staying informed is the first step toward ensuring your drivers are staying safe on the roads.
You can also run your DOT-required annual MVR checks with Foley. We offer the all-in-one solution you need to boost your performance in the Unsafe Driving BASIC.
MVR Monitoring & MVR Check for Employers
If you’re interested in seeing how MVR monitoring works before signing up, you can schedule a free software demo with our trusted compliance specialists.
Still not convinced? Take a look at this Foley case study that details how Doru Trucking uses our MVR monitoring program to keep their hard-earned Satisfactory safety rating (the best possible rating to receive).
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