How To Lower Safety Score With The Department Of Transportation (DOT)

CSA(Compliance, Safety, Accountability) inspection is carried out by a DOT( Department of transportation) FMCSA inspector. These roadside inspections along with other data like crash reports and previous DOT audits or interventions collected over a period of 24 months allow for DOT enforcement.
The CSA score is given by a percentage where 100% is the worst and 0% is the best. CSA score is determined by the number of violations a carrier’s driver accrue over a 24 month period.  The following BASICs (Behavioural Analysis Safety Improvement Categories) affects the CSA scores:

·         Poor Crash Record

·         Unsafe driving history

·         Fatigued drivers

·         Failure to produce medical card

·         Substance abuse

·         Poor maintenance of vehicle/shipment

·         Handling of hazardous materials

An improved CSA score has many benefits, primarily among them are the following:

v  Lower annual insurance premium

v  Preference by customers    

v  Fewer roadside inspection and intervention by DOT

v  Easier driver recruitment based on your reputation

There are certain steps that could be taken while considering how to lower your safety score (improve CSA score) and following the below-mentioned points can really help:

Hire drivers only after checking their PSP record

PSP records show all the records of the driver’s FMCSA- reported crashes within the last five years and all roadside inspection within the last three years. You can find honest and safe drivers, with a low number of violations. Naturally, your CSA scores will improve if there will be fewer violations. Chose drivers who have poor crash records. Avoid drivers with a history of speed violations or unsafe driving history. Also, hire drivers who have proper medical certificates.

Establish a policy against driving while sick or fatigued

If a review of a driver’s hour of service logbook shows that the driver is overworked and fatigued, it will reflect poorly on the CSA scores. Make sure not to overwork the drivers and give them ample time to rest. Establishing a policy of driving while sick or fatigue can drastically improve CSA scores as most of the violations are hours of service related.

Maintenance of vehicle or shipment 

Defects like poor brakes, nonworking headlights or taillights will reduce your CSA scores. Regular maintenance is therefore very important to keep the vehicles in good working conditions and to consequently improve a carrier’s CSA scores. Moreover, shipments must be properly secured and transferred as non-compliance on this can negatively affect CSA scores. While transporting hazardous cargo, make sure all the rules and regulations are followed and drivers are aware of handling the cargo.

Establish zero tolerance policy towards alcohol and controlled substances

It is very important to have a zero tolerance policy towards alcohol and controlled substances. Drivers must be thoroughly checked by supervisors, to identify those under the influence. Training to supervisors is needed in this respect. Make sure that no driver drinks within four hours of being on duty.

By following the above steps, a carrier can easily improve their CSA scores with the DOT and avoid an intervention program by the DOT and increase the business prospects.