April, designated as Distracted Driving Awareness Month, highlights the critical issue of distracted driving among commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operators. A survey by the J.J. Keller Center for Market Insights in March 2023 revealed that 28% of safety leaders in CMV fleets consider distracted driving a top challenge. Addressing this, ongoing Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) monitoring paired with timely driver coaching emerges as a potent solution to mitigate this peril.
Essential Aspects of MVR Monitoring
- Reporting Violations and Loss of License:
Drivers are mandated to report any moving violations within 30 days and loss of driving privileges by the next business day. This requirement ensures that carriers are promptly informed about potential risks and compliance issues within their fleet.
- Frequency of MVR Reviews:
Current Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) dictate that carriers must review drivers’ MVRs at the time of hiring and subsequently at least once annually. This protocol, however, introduces a risk of missing critical changes in a driver’s record within those 12 months, potentially leading to severe legal and safety implications.
- Risks of Infrequent MVR Checks:
Annual checks can lead to undetected license suspensions or accumulation of unsafe driving points, which could result in out-of-service violations and stranded equipment. Such gaps increase the likelihood of negligent retention or supervision claims if these drivers are involved in crashes.
Ongoing MVR Monitoring Solutions
To combat these risks, carriers are turning to more frequent MVR checks or ongoing monitoring services that alert them to any changes in a driver’s status. These services can be internally managed or outsourced to third-party providers specializing in:
- Collecting driver consent for monitoring.
- Auditing MVRs for accuracy and clarity.
- Rating drivers based on their risk profile.
- Initiating immediate corrective training following adverse events.
Benefits of Proactive MVR Monitoring
The proactive approach of ongoing MVR monitoring allows carriers to immediately address any negative changes in a driver’s record. This method not only keeps the roads safer but also aids in maintaining a carrier’s reputation and reduces potential liabilities from crashes. Moreover, it aligns with FMCSRs by meeting the annual review requirements through a more dynamic and responsive process.
Addressing Distracted Driving Through Policy and Training
Implementing strict policies that mandate corrective actions and training for unsafe driving behaviors is crucial. Carriers should ensure these policies are clear to all drivers and include potential consequences for non-compliance. Effective coaching and training should be timely, aiming to correct unsafe behaviors before they become habitual. For persistent or willful unsafe practices, more stringent disciplinary actions may be necessary, including suspension or termination.
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