If Drivers are the Problem - Where are the Answers? By Carmen Daecher

For the past few years, we have agreed that most accidents are caused through driver error. No one seems to disagree. What are we doing to address this issue? The first thing we might do is understand that "driver error" can be redefined as inappropriate individual behavior. If the person who is driving is behaving inappropriately behind the wheel, it's that behavior that results in accidents. And usually, that behavior is not unique to that moment in time when an accident occurs. Rather, behavior is something which has a certain pattern or history to it which, if known, can be influenced and managed.

Certainly, if inappropriate behavior is known by a motor carrier, appropriate actions should be taken to manage such behavior. This knowledge not only comes from monitoring drivers who are employees, but also from gaining knowledge of driving behavior through your enforcement activities - MVRs and such historical documentation are invaluable to motor carriers in deciding who to hire and how to manage them.

Motor carriers are required to review MVRs - and should, to manage drivers appropriately. To have a solid knowledge of previous driver behavior and licensing activity is invaluable to the motor carrier and is part of the solution to eliminate driver error. Without this knowledge, the motor carrier cannot manage drivers effectively.

That makes the enforcement community either part of the solution or part of the problem. If a motor carrier cannot receive complete and accurate information concerning driving histories and licensing histories of prospective or currently employed drivers, they must rely on whatever they can obtain and on the integrity of the driver in reporting violations, accidents, suspensions, etc.

The point is that we have been talking about the need to manage the driver in order to significantly reduce accidents and fatalities on our roadways. But we haven't gotten very far. I was a member of the CVSA Human Factors Advisory Task Force in 1996. The recommendation of the Task Force was to develop systems to identify unsafe drivers. What has been done?

CDLIS was touted back in the early 90's as a national database of driver histories which would be immensely valuable in identifying problem drivers. Why isn't it working?

Immediate carrier notification of citations related to traffic violations or accidents would provide the motor carrier with valuable knowledge in assessing driver behavior. Some motor carriers receive this kind of immediate information; others don't. It should be available everywhere and always.

The regulatory and the enforcement communities need to step up and address these issues now. CVSA should take the lead in identifying obstacles or problems in the use of CDLIS and be the conduit for solutions so that it becomes a fully effective system. CVSA should also be a leader in disseminating information about programs such as instant notification to all CVSA members and to the industry in general; providing testimony to the benefits of such a program; helping motor carriers adopt its use for their benefit; and influencing changes to regulations which require more diligent management of drivers by motor carriers.

The anticipated benefits of this leadership are significant. If regulations, information systems, and motor carrier management systems are in sync for managing driver behavior, then we can begin to effectively eliminate those who refuse to behave properly; rehabilitate those who have acquired bad habits; and hire those who demonstrate appropriate behavior. We can also measure our collective activities through the same information systems that we use to make decisions concerning how to manage drivers.

Enforcement actions and the knowledge of those actions play a key role in the effectiveness of driver management. CVSA, as the leader for commercial vehicle and driver enforcement activities can help get this job done.

That means that we all are part of the solution. Let's get the job done.

*** Click here to visit the DDC USA Fleet training web site ***