While California drivers can make a big difference in the reduction of truck accidents, compliance safety programs are also making efforts to ensure that bigger vehicles are in top condition to avoid crashes resulting from malfunctions and mistakes. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration constantly works to improve motorist safety in situations involving large trucks and has implemented a Compliance, Safety, Accountability program as a result.
While agencies formerly used SafeStat to lower trucking accidents and fatalities, the new program also studies the behaviors of drivers to develop more customized recommendations and guidelines. Improved methods of study and advanced tools allow researchers to analyze a larger number of accidents and more motorists than before.
According to the CSA program overview, companies are encouraged to provide education for drivers about proper safety procedures. Students are supposed to be trained on the best way to load their bed to prevent overloading, spills and shifts, as well as best practices for inspecting their trucks before and after each trip.
While guidelines are provided for education and training, the agency also issues evaluations of performance and vehicle condition. Trucks are inspected and warnings given in areas that need improvement. Some of the items monitored include brake function, tire wear, and the condition of all reflectors and lamps. Any mechanical defects are noted and checked again at the next inspection to verify that needed repairs were made. Drivers can check the organization’s website to see scores and recommendations for improvement. Failure to fix issues can lead to further investigations and warnings.
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