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

2. 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 USDOT defines it
Determine if an accident was preventable
Compute company accident rates
Determine when an on-the-scene investigation of an accident is required
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3. 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
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4. What is an Accident?
An unintended event that causes death, injury, or property damage
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5. 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
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6. Incidents that are not Accidents
An occurrence is not an accident if it involves only-
Boarding and alighting from a stationary motor vehicle
Loading and unloading of cargo
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7. 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
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8. 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
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9. 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
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10. 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?
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11. 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?
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12. DOT Safety Rating Thresholds
Accident Rate Factor Rating
> 1.5 per million*
< 1.5 per million*
Unsatisfactory
Satisfactory
* 1.7 per million for urban carriers
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13. Calculating Accident Rates
Accidents X 1,000,000 Mileage
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14. 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.
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15. Warning Devices – Divided Highway
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16. Straightaway
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17. Approaching a Hilltop
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18. Approaching a Curve
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19. Beyond a Curve
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20. Over a Hill
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21. Accident Report Kit - Accident Notification Card
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22. Witness Cards
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23. Exoneration Card
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24. Accident Scene Description
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25. Company Investigation Form
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26. Accident Reporting Requirements
Accident Register
State requirements
Company requirements
Insurance requirements
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27. Post-Accident Alcohol and Drug Testing
All USA fatal accidents
USA bound or USA origin freight involved in a collision within 100 miles of the border must follow USDOT Post-Accident testing regulations
DOT Accidents for which CMV driver was cited
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28. Post-Accident Media Relations
Following an accident, it is important to have:
A plan
A spokesperson
Drivers decline to answer questions
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29. When is Investigation Not Necessary?
In which of the following accident situations is an on-the-scene company response 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
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30. Reasons to Investigate
Prevent operational breakdowns
Identify areas where training is deficient
Identify ways to improve service
Prepare for potential litigation
Prevent recurring accidents
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31. Areas to Investigate The driver The trip The environment The vehicles
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32. 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
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33. Costs of an Accident
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34. Accident Prevention Review all aspects of your operation:
Personnel policies
Drug and alcohol misuse prevention programs
Compliance
Training
Driver observation
Awards program
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35. Driver Screening Interview procedures Applicant qualifications
Previous employment inquiries
Prior driving record
Medically qualified
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36. Avoiding Alcohol Misuse and Drug Use
Make inquiries
Prior employers
Driving records
Develop written policies
Provide training
Supervisors
Drivers
Management
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37. Hours of Service Compliance
Log book audits
Hours of service violations
Falsification
Disciplinary policy for violations
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38. 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
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39. Driver Observation Techniques
Unannounced “ride along”
Public observations (Fleetsafe)
Independent carriers’ observations
Company drivers’ observations
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40. Safe Driver Incentives
Recognition of safe drivers
Company Safe Driving Championships
State Safe Driving Championships
Evaluation of driver performance
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41. 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
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42. Awards Program Components
Essential components:
Accident Review Board
Formal award presentation program
Internal and external publicity
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43. Awards Program Basic Rules
Establish a starting date
If an accident within 3 years start over
After three years year accident-free penalty period
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44. Mile/Time Equivalents
You can use time equivalents to mileage data, at company discretion . . .
Miles Years Hours
1,000, ,000
750, ,750
500, ,500
250, ,750
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45. Questions
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