What is an "acute" motor carrier violation?
An acute violation is a one-time occurrence. They're triggered during an investigation that requires immediate corrective action. The FMCSA considers acute violations "severe". Acute violations can lead to steep penalties if corrective action isn't taken.
From the least to most common, here are the top 10 acute motor carrier violations in 2016:
10. (396.17A) Using A CMV Not Periodically Inspected
Kicking off the list, these acute violations were 1.04% of the total. Have a qualified inspector perform commercial motor vehicle and equipment inspections at least once a year. Also, perform an inspection when you use equipment from an equipment provider.
9. (172.800B) Transporting HM Without A Security Plan
These acute violations were 1.57% of the total. When you transport hazardous materials you must develop and follow a security plan.
8. (382.215) Using A Driver Who Has Tested Positive For A Drug
These acute violations were 3.13% of the total. We could make a lot of assumptions about how this happens but, there isn't an excuse. If a commercial driver has tested positive for a controlled substance, they can't perform safety-sensitive duties.
7. (396.9C2) Operating An OOS Vehicle
You cannot use a commercial vehicle or equipment declared "out-of-service". Make the repairs for the out-of-service notice and avoid the citation. These acute violations were 3.61% of the total.
6. (387.7A) Inadequate Or No Financial Responsibility
These acute violations were 5.74% of the total. Before operations, get your motor carrier business bonded and insured.
5. (383.37C) Allowing Driver With More Than One CDL To Operate A CMV
This violation can slip through the cracks. Qualify your drivers by querying their information in the CDLIS. (Commercial Drivers License Information System). These acute violations were 7.22% of the total.
4. (390.35) Requiring, Permitting Or Making False Statements Or Records
We're surprised that these acute violations were 7.30% of the total. They're completely avoidable. Don't do it.
3. (382.305) Failing To Implement Random Controlled Substance Or Alcohol Testing Program
Employers, administer a random drug or alcohol testing program or join a consortium. For owner-operators, you must enroll in a consortium. The acute violations were 13.88% of the total.
2. (383.37A) Allowing Driver To Operate With Suspended/Revoked/Etc. CDL
Commercial drivers will worry about losing their jobs so, they may not admit to licensing suspensions. Run annual motor vehicle record reports to check the license status of your drivers. These acute violations were 16.45% of the total.
1. (382.115A) Failing To Implement An Alcohol And/Or Drug Testing Program
We made it to the number one most common acute motor carrier violation in 2016. A drug and alcohol testing program can have a big impact on your business. More than most employers realize. These acute violations accounted for 27.09% of the total.
Need help implementing a DOT drug and alcohol testing program?
Download the free Trucking Guide
There you have it. Benchmark your business against these national statistics. Did your motor carrier business receive any of these violations in 2016?
Source: FMCSA Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS) data snapshot as of 1/27/2017, accessed Feb 7, 2017, https://ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/default.aspx
