Recently, a question was posted asking, "What is this CSA 2010 I keep hearing about?". This post will try to serve as a brief reminder of the new CSA 2010 program, as well as provide some helpful links for more detailed information for those who are either unfamiliar with it, or are seeking more information on the subject. Whichever category you fall into, CSA 2010 is just around the corner, and if you have a commercial motor vehicle fleet, will effect you.
CSA 2010 (Comprehensive Safety Analysis) is a program of the Federal Motor Carrier Administration (FMCSA) designed to gather information about carriers and drivers to help the agency improve the effectiveness of its compliance and enforcement programs and efforts. Ultimately, the stated goal of CSA 2010 is to reduce crashes, thus reducing injuries and fatalities on America's roadways.
There are four major components; 1.) Data Collection, 2.) Safety Measurement, 3.) Safety Evaluation, and 4.) Interventions
Let's look at these in a little more detail, although there is much more extensive information available at the web site dedicated to CSA 2010 -> http://csa2010.fmcsa.dot.gov/
1.) Data Collection - Data is collected by the FMCSA, typically after a roadside inspection violations, DOT recordable crashes, and violations found during "interventions". Data (i.e., inspection results) is recorded and used to create a "score" based on number and severity of violations, etc.
2.) Safety Measurement - This area offers one of the more notable changes when compared to the current "SAFESTAT" measurement system. Currently, only Out of Service Violations are taken into consideration when measuring a carriers performance. There are 3 main areas of measurement currently, being Driver, Vehicle, and Hazardous Materials violations. Under the newer CSA 2010, there are 7 "BASICS" that are used, and include the following measurement areas: Unsafe Driving, Fatigued Driving, Driver Fitness, Controlled Substance / Alcohol, Vehicle Maintenance, Cargo, Crash Indicator. An important note too, is that no longer will only the carrier (company) be measured. There will be a driver measurement system in place as well (one of the most notable changes under this program).
3.) Safety Evaluation - As data is continuously gathered, and measurements are considered, the evaluation process then begins. This is essentially the process of determining what, if any action is needed (potential intervention by FMCSA) based on violation history, accident experience, etc. The interesting change, again, is that this process takes into consideration the drivers' performance.
4.) Interventions - Interventions can very in terms of severity. The interventions can range from "no intervention", to warning letters, to focused on-site investigations. In serious violation situations, the intervention can result in a Notice of Claim, Penalty, and Settlement Agreement (i.e., severe fines)
Ultimately, the best way to "succeed" under the coming CSA 2010 is to ensure that your drivers are well trained, have good driving records, and have "clean" roadside inspections. Remember, the good (clean) inspections count toward your scores, and are important to your overall score. This applies to both drivers and the company. The FMCSA has been compiling data for a 3 year history, so past inspections and violations will be populated into the existing database (see the "Data Collection" section above).
There is a lot of good information already published on the Federal Motor Carrier Web Site (see link above) that will help give a better understanding of the CSA 2010 process, and how it will affect motor carriers. There are several "listening sessions" available at the site too. Also, many private vendors have provided some very good management and training information that is available for purchase.
As far as the implementation time-line goes, the initial test period in several states has been underway for quite some time. The national implementation was initially set to occur in mid 2010, but due to the size and scope of CSA 2010, has been moved back to late 2010 / early 2011. Although this is still several months off in the future, remember, data is being collected now, so it is never too soon to reevaluate your safety program, driver controls, and violation trend reviews, to put a fresh emphasis on the safety of your fleet and drivers.
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