Motor Fleet Safety Basics: Training for the Safety Supervisor Unit 4: Accident Prevention and Basic Investigation

Unit 4 Objectives Identify actions safety supervisors should take at the scene of an accident Identify actions drivers should take at the scene of an accident Define accident as the DOT defines it Determine if an accident was preventable Compute company accident rates Determine when an on-the-scene investigation of an accident is required NATMI © 2014

Unit 4 Objectives Explain how and why the forms included in an Accident Report Kit are to be used at the scene of an accident Describe the procedures for collecting the information needed to complete an accident report Evaluate information obtained from witness interviews to identify possible training issues and the potential impact that witnesses may have on the company’s case Determine if post-accident alcohol or drug testing is required NATMI © 2014

What is an Accident? An unintended event that causes death, injury, or property damage NATMI © 2014

DOT Definition of Accident An occurrence involving a commercial motor vehicle operating on a highway in interstate or intrastate commerce which results in: A fatality Bodily injury to a person who, as a result of the injury, immediately receives medical treatment away from the scene of the accident One or more vehicles incurs disabling damage as a result of the accident, requiring the vehicle to be transported away from the scene by a tow truck or other vehicle NATMI © 2014

Incidents that are not Accidents Boarding and alighting from a stationary motor vehicle Loading and unloading of cargo An occurrence is not an accident if it involves only- NATMI © 2014

Definitions - Highway A highway is any road under the jurisdiction of a public agency and open to public travel or any other road on private property that is open to public travel NATMI © 2014

Definitions - Fatality and Disabling Damage Fatality: An injury which results in death at the time of the accident or within 30 days of the accident Disabling Damage: Damage which precludes departure of a motor vehicle from the scene of the accident in its usual manner in daylight after simple repairs NATMI © 2014

Disabling Damage Includes Vehicles that could have been driven but more damage would have occurred Excludes Damage which can be remedied temporarily at the scene without special tools or parts. Tire disablement without other damage even if no spare tire is available. Headlight or taillight damage Damage to turn signals, horn or windshield wipers NATMI © 2014

Interpretation of Disabling Damage To what extent would the windshield and/or mirrors of a vehicle have to be damaged in order for it to be considered "disabling damage" as used in the definition of an accident in Part 390.5? NATMI © 2014

Interpretation of Towaway A CMV becomes stuck in a median or on a shoulder, and has had no contact with another vehicle, a pedestrian, or a fixed object prior to becoming stuck. If a tow truck is used to pull the CMV back onto the traveled portion of the road, would this be considered an accident? NATMI © 2014

DOT Safety Rating Thresholds Accident RateFactor Rating > 1.5 per million* < 1.5 per million* Unsatisfactory Satisfactory * 1.7 per million for urban carriers NATMI © 2014

Calculating Accident Rates Accident Rate = Accidents X 1,000,000 Mileage NATMI © 2014

Preventable Accident If a driver, who exercises normal judgment and foresight could have foreseen the possibility of the accident, that in fact occurred, and avoided it by taking steps within his/her control which would not have risked causing another kind of mishap, the accident was preventable. NATMI © 2014

Warning Devices – Divided Highway NATMI © 2014

Straightaway NATMI © 2014

Approaching a Hilltop NATMI © 2014

Approaching a Curve NATMI © 2014

Beyond a Curve NATMI © 2014

Over a Hill NATMI © 2014

Accident Report Kit - Accident Notification Card NATMI © 2014

Witness Cards NATMI © 2014

Exoneration Card NATMI © 2014

Accident Scene Description NATMI © 2014

Company Investigation Form NATMI © 2014

Accident Reporting Requirements Accident Register State requirements Company requirements Insurance requirements NATMI © 2014

Post-Accident Alcohol and Drug Testing All fatal accidents DOT Accidents for which CMV driver was cited NATMI © 2014

Post-Accident Media Relations A plan A spokesperson Drivers decline to answer questions Following an accident, it is important to have: NATMI © 2014

When is Investigation Not Necessary? a.When there was a fatal injury b.When the driver has been involved in several minor accidents c.When there was minor property damage d.When transportation of hazardous materials was involved In which of the following accident situations is an on-the-scene company response NOT necessary? NATMI © 2014

Reasons to Investigate Prevent operational breakdowns Identify areas where training is deficient Identify ways to improve service Prepare for potential litigation Prevent recurring accidents NATMI © 2014

Areas to Investigate The driver The trip The environment The vehicles NATMI © 2014

Investigation Process 1.Review driver’s accident report 2.Interview driver 3.Inspect vehicles involved 4.Interview other parties 5.Interview witnesses 6.Inspect accident scene 7.Compile report NATMI © 2014

Costs of an Accident NATMI © 2014

Accident Prevention Review all aspects of your operation: Personnel policies Drug and alcohol misuse prevention programs Compliance Training Driver observation Awards program NATMI © 2014

Driver Screening Interview procedures Applicant qualifications Previous employment inquiries Prior driving record Medically qualified NATMI © 2014

Avoiding Alcohol Misuse and Drug Use Make inquiries Prior employers Driving records Develop written policies Provide training Supervisors Drivers Management NATMI © 2014

Hours of Service Compliance Log book audits Hours of service violations Falsification Disciplinary policy for violations NATMI © 2014

Subjects for Driver Training Programs Load securement Hours of service / fatigue Adverse weather Vehicle inspection procedures Defensive driving Urban and rural driving Rules of the road NATMI © 2014

Driver Observation Techniques Unannounced “ride along” Public observations (Fleetsafe) Independent carriers’ observations Company drivers’ observations NATMI © 2014

Safe Driver Incentives Recognition of safe drivers Company Safe Driving Championships State Safe Driving Championships Evaluation of driver performance NATMI © 2014

Awards Program Recognition for accident free driving Packages for: 250,000 miles 500,000 miles 750,000 miles 1,000,000 miles Includes pins, patches, cards and plaques NATMI © 2014

Awards Program Components Essential components: Accident Review Board Formal award presentation program Internal and external publicity NATMI © 2014

Awards Program Basic Rules Establish a starting date If an accident within 3 years... start over After three years... 1 year accident-free penalty period NATMI © 2014

Mile/Time Equivalents You can use time equivalents to mileage data, at company discretion... MilesYearsHours 1,000, , ,000918, ,000612, ,0003 6,750 NATMI © 2014

Questions NATMI © 2014