This is why the FMCSA, itself, has projected that 175,000 drivers could lose their jobs as soon as CSA2010 is implemented. Furthermore, they project that 47.9% of the U. S. trucking companies could fail.
Driver Safety Rating Points System
Drivers will also face a level of severity rating system that will be assessed under the new initiative, scheduled to be implemented in July, 2010. Based on the violation, drivers will be given a severity rating between 1-10, with 10 being the highest. This rating will then be used in a mathematical formula to determine the total points against the driver, which in turn, will determine if the driver has reached the maximum number of points allowed by CSA2010. The actual limit of points a driver or carrier can reach before being in violation, is yet to be known . . . at least, I have not been able to locate it.
However, the level of severity rating system is quite disturbing. Keeping in mind that severity will be rated between levels 1-10, with 10 being the highest, here are a few examples of what severity level rating a driver will be assessed for several violations:
- Violate a state or local ordinance or regulation: Level 1
- Violate hours of service : Level 7
- Operate a CMV with inoperative headlight/tail light: Level 6
- Violate that a load is not secured : Level 10
- Operate a CMV while ill or fatigued : Level 10
- Operate a CMV with a leaky tire : Level 8
- Operate while DUI : Level 10
So, What Does this all Mean for the Driver?
So as drivers, you must understand that if you do your pre-trip inspection and everything is fine and good to go, and you drive 50 miles and catch a nail in the tire and DOT pulls you over and discovers the leaky tire . . . you will be hit with a Level 8 severity rating. Still, the total number of points allowed before being punished by CSA2010, has not yet been determined by myself . . . I have not been given the answer to this question by anyone else either.
In the case of CSA2010, time is on your side as a professional driver. The algebraic equation to be used to determine the total points against drivers varies between the different measures within the system. Basically, it is determined by taking the total time and severity level ratings/violations, divided by the number of time relevant roadside inspections. All clear now?
This means that severity levels and points can reduce over time. If you get hit with a Level 8 for a leaky tire, but do not have another violation for six months, when the calculation is performed to determine your points, the points will go down due to the length of time that has passed between the two violations. This is why I say that time really is on your side.
Truck drivers, once CSA 2010 is enforced and NIC Technologies takes over the DataBase from the FMCSA, you will not be able to challenge the false information through FMCSA’s system.
Be proactive not a victim - for $37/month
Call me to learn how Prepaid Legal can assist you.
Ja'Mille Wilborn - Manager, Prepaid Legal, Inc.
http://www.prepaidlegal.com/hub/jamille
18002351327
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