Truck driver’s history can predict future crash risk: study
Arlington, VA – Some truck drivers with prior crashes, violations or convictions are more likely to be involved in a crash than drivers with clean records, according to research released April 20 by the American Transportation Research Institute.
ATRI compared 2008-2009 data from the Motor Carrier Management Information System and the Commercial Driver’s License Information System to similar analyses performed in 2005. Findings showed that “failure to use/improper signal” was the leading conviction associated with an increased likelihood of a future crash. According to a summary (.pdf file) of the research, the driver’s likelihood of a future crash increased 96 percent with this conviction. Drivers with an “improper passing” violation or a “past crash” history had an 88 percent increase in likelihood of being involved in a crash compared with peers with clean driving records.
Researchers concluded the data comparison shows stability of numerous behavior-based crash indicators, and highlighted effects of safety improvements within the trucking industry since 2005.
ATRI is part of the American Trucking Associations.
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