2. 2
Comprehensive Safety Analysis 2010 (CSA 2010) is a new safety
measurement tool developed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration (FMCSA).
It’s primary purpose is to reduce the number of crashes and fatalities
throughout the transportation industry.
The FMCSA will track and report the safety performance of motor carriers
and drivers.
If the FMCSA determines that the motor carrier or driver is operating unsafely
it will step in with an “INTERVENTION” based upon the severity of the
infraction.
All drivers will be tracked and scored by the FMCSA and based upon that
score could be subject to severe penalties.
What is CSA 2010?
3. 3
The New
CSA 2010
Operational
Model
Has 4 Major
Components
Safety Data
Collection
This data is obtained
by looking at your
crash and safety-
related violations that
are discovered during
roadside inspections.
Safety Measurement
System
CSA 2010 measures
the data collected in
#1 to identify driver
and carrier
performance/behavior
to determine if those
behaviors could
reasonably lead to
crashes or other
unsafe activities.
Safety Evaluation
CSA 2010 helps
correct high risk
behavior by contacting
more carriers and
drivers with
“INTERVENTIONS”
tailored to the specific
safety problem.
Your safety record is
compared to other
drivers within your
peer group.
Intervention
These are corrective
actions (warning
letters, safety
investigations) that will
be issued to carriers
and drivers who are
operating unsafely.
Their purpose is to
inform you of unsafe
behaviors and help
you correct them so
that you operate
safely!
How Does CSA 2010 Work?
5. 5
You’ll still have to comply with all the same safety rules, but your violations of those rules
will be placed into seven (7) categories, called the BASICs, or Behavioral Analysis Safety
Improvement Categories:
#1 – UNSAFE DRIVING (STAND ALONE)
Violations include speeding, reckless driving, improper lane change, and inattention.
#2 – FATIGUED DRIVING (STAND ALONE)
Violations of the HOS regulations, failing to complete your log, exceeding the driving limits, driving
while fatigued, failing to retain your logs.
#3 – DRIVER FITNESS
Violations driving a CMV: 1) without the proper license or endorsements; 2) without being medically qualified;
3) while disqualified; 4) carrying hazardous material without proper training.
#4 – CRASH HISTORY
DOT accidents only
#5 – VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
Violations involving improper or inadequate maintenance or vehicle condition such as defective brakes, lights
or other safety-related components. Failure to make required repairs and/or failure to complete daily or annual
inspections.
#6 – IMPROPER LOADING or CARGO SECUREMENT
Failing to use enough securement straps. Failing to use a placard. Using a knotted tie down.
Oversize/Overweight. Pushing a loaded bus.
#7 – CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE or ALCOHOL
Being under the influence of controlled substances. Possessing alcohol in a CMV. Using alcohol 4 hours
before driving. Violating an out-of-service order related to drug or alcohol use.
CSA 2010 BASICs – Behavioral Analysis Safety Improvement Categories
6. 6Possible violations under this BASIC: 33 • Number that could
affect driver’s grade: 30 (average severity = 3.0)
BASIC #1 – Unsafe Driving (STAND ALONE)
Unsafe Driving
Safety Violations
Severity
Rating
Reckless driving 10
Failing to obey a traffic control device. 5
Following to close 5
Improper lane changes, turns or passing. 5
Speeding 5
Failing to yield right of way. 5
Failing to stop at a railroad crossing when
required.
5
Failing to use caution for a hazardous condition. 5
Using or equipping a CMV with a radar detector. 5
Failing to use a seat belt. 1
Failing to use hazard warning flashers. 1
Unauthorized passengers 1
EXAMPLES OF UNSAFE DRIVING VIOLATIONS
The higher the severity, the more crash risk and the more your grade on this
BASIC will be affected.
When determining your monthly grade on unsafe driving, the
FMCSA will consider:
• Violations from the past 36 months — for your RoadLink’s
grade, it’s 24 months.
• The types of violations committed — (see table to the right).
• The age of the violations — more recent violations bear more
weight.
HOW WILL UNSAFE DRIVING AFFECT ME?
If your personal record includes violations for unsafe driving (even if
you weren’t placed out of service), your safety ranking — and that
of your company — will be affected. This could result with the
FMCSA invoking the “INTERVENTION PROCESS”. The more
violations, the higher the BASIC score and the more likely the
FMCSA will intervene.
This is a stand-alone BASIC — a failing grade in this
BASIC alone could have serious consequences!
HOW IS UNSAFE DRIVING MEASURED?
Using violations of certain federal safety rules and state
traffic laws recorded during roadside inspections and
traffic enforcement during the past 3 years.
WHAT IS UNSAFE DRIVING?
Operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in a
dangerous or careless manner.
7. 7
BASIC #2 – Fatigued Driving (STAND ALONE)
Possible violations under this BASIC: 63 • Number that
could affect driver’s grade: 60 (average severity = 4)
Fatigued Driving
Safety Violations
Severity
Rating
Operating a CMV while ill or fatigued 10
Violating an out-of-service order related to
HOS.
10
Violating any federal or state HOS limits. 7
Submitting a false log. 7
Failing to complete a log, or logging improperly. 5
Failing to keep a log current. 5
Failing to record days spent off duty. 5
Failing to submit logs within 13 days. 5
Failing to retain previous 7 days’ logs. 5
Violating a log “form & manner” rule. 2
Violating an on-board recorder requirement. 1
Your grade on this BASIC will be updated every 30 days. The
FMCSA will consider:
• Violations from the past 36 months — or 24 months for
RoadLink’s grade.
• The types of violations committed — some are worse than
others (see table to the right).
• The age of the violations — more recent violations bear more
weight.
• The number of inspections — the more “clean” inspections the
better.
HOW WILL FATIGUED DRIVING AFFECT ME?
A history of fatigued driving violations (even if you weren’t placed
out of service, and even if you switched companies) will affect
your safety grade, and that of your company. This could lead to
contact from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration,
ranging from a warning letter to an extensive audit. You could be
fined. The more violations, the higher the BASIC score and the
more likely the FMCSA will intervene.
HOW IS FATIGUED DRIVING MEASURED?
Using violations of Parts 392 and 395 recorded during
roadside inspections during the past 3 years.
WHAT IS FATIGUED DRIVING?
Driving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) while ill,
fatigued, or in violation of the hours-of-service rules.
FATIGUED DRIVING VIOLATIONS BY SEVERITY
The higher the severity, the more crash risk and the more your
grade on this BASIC will be affected. Being placed out of service
increases the severity by 2 points.
8. 8
BASIC #3 – Driver Fitness
Possible violations under this BASIC: 52 • Number that
could affect driver’s grade: 47 (average severity = 3.7)
Driver Fitness
Safety Violations
Severity
Rating
Operating a CMV with more than 1 driver’s license. 10
Failing to comply with an out-of-service order. 10
Failing to notify licensing agency of traffic
conviction
6
Failing to notify carrier of conviction within 30 days. 6
Driving a CMV while disqualified. 6
Driving a CMV w/o transferring CDL to state of res. 6
Driving a CMV without being qualified. 6
Driving a CMV under age 21. 6
Failing the English language standard. 6
Driving a CMV w/o proper training or experience. 6
Failing to complete a road test or equivalent. 6
Your safety rating is updated every 30 days. When measuring
your performance on this BASIC, the
FMCSA will consider:
• Violations from the past 36 months — or 24 months for
RoadLink’s grade.
• The types of violations committed — some are worse than
others (see table to the right).
• The age of the violations — more recent violations bear more
weight.
• The number of inspections — the more “clean” inspections the
better.
HOW WILL DRIVER FITNESS AFFECT ME?
Driving a CMV without being properly qualified and licensed will
hurt your safety grade and that of your company.
This could lead to intervention by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration, ranging from a warning letter to
being ordered to shut down. You personally could also be fined.
The more violations, the higher the BASIC score and the more
likely the FMCSA will intervene.
HOW IS DRIVER FITNESS MEASURED?
Using violations of federal safety rules recorded during
roadside inspections in the past 3 years. Ensuring driver
fitness is among the “essential” safety management
controls that a company must have in place.
WHAT IS A DRIVER FITNESS VIOLATION?
Driving CMV while being unfit to drive due to lack of
training, experience, and/or medical qualifications.
DRIVER FITNESS VIOLATIONS BY SEVERITY
The higher the severity, the more crash risk and the more
your grade on this BASIC will be affected. Being placed
out of service increases severity by 2 points.
9. 9
BASIC #4 – Crash History
WHAT IS CRASH
HISTORY?
A history or pattern of
crash involvement,
including frequency and
severity. Unlike the
other BASICs, crash
history is not based on
a set of behaviors.
Rather, it is a
consequence of
behavior and may
indicate a problem that
needs attention.
HOW WILL MY CRASH
HISTORY AFFECT ME?
If you’re driving a CMV and
are involved in a reportable
crash — whether you were
at fault or not — information
about that crash will be sent
to the FMCSA and will be
attributed to both you and
your company. Your crash
record will follow you from
company to company.
The more crashes you and
your company experience,
the worse your grades on the
crash BASIC and the more
likely it is the FMCSA will
intervene to find out what
you might be doing wrong. If
there’s a fatal accident, the
FMCSA will likely show up
for a full-blown audit.
HOW IS CRASH
HISTORY
MEASURED?
Using crash data
reported by state and
local enforcement
agencies over the past
3 years.
When determining your
monthly grade in the Crash
History BASIC relative to
your peers, the FMCSA will
consider:
• Reportable crashes from
the past 36 months — or 24
months for RoadLink’s
grade.
• Crash severity — crashes
involving injury, a fatality, or
a release of hazardous
materials will cause
more harm to your grade.
• The age of the crashes —
more recent crashes bear
more weight.
10. Possible violations under this BASIC: 273 • Number that
could affect driver’s grade: 200 (average severity = 3.5)1010
BASIC #5 – Vehicle Maintenance
Vehicle Maintenance
Safety Violations
Severity
Rating
Violating a vehicle out-of-service order. 10
Violating the tire tread standards. 8
Suspension-related violations 7
Violating the lighting standards 6
Steering-related violations 6
No pre-trip inspection 4
Brake-related violations 4
Failing to be knowledgeable of Part 396 rules. 4
Failing to complete a Driver Vehicle Inspection
Report.
4
Reflective sheeting/reflector violations 3
Underinflated tire or excessive load on tire. 3
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE VIOLATIONS BY SEVERITY
The higher the severity, the more crash risk and the more your grade on this
BASIC will be affected.
Being placed out of service increases the severity by 2 points.
Your performance in this BASIC is updated every month.
When grading you, the FMCSA will consider:
• Violations from the past 36 months — or 24 months for
RoadLink’s grade.
• The types of violations committed — some are worse than
others (see table at the right).
• The number of inspections — the more “clean” inspections the
better.
• The age of the violations — more recent violations bear more
weight.
HOW WILL IMPROPER VEHICLE MAINTENANCE AFFECT ME?
Vehicle maintenance is a shared responsibility between you and your
company. Violations for failing to inspect and maintain a CMV will harm
your safety rating and RoadLink’s. As a result, you and/or RoadLink could
be warned, audited, fined, and/or ordered to fix the problems. The more
violations, the higher the BASIC score and the more likely the FMCSA will
intervene, even if you switch companies.
HOW IS VEHICLE MAINTENANCE MEASURED?
Using violations of federal safety rules recorded during roadside
inspections during the past 3 years. Failure to inspect and
maintain vehicles properly is a “fundamental” violation that can put
a carrier out of business.
WHAT’S CONSIDERED A VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
VIOLATION?
Operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) that has critical
safety defects due to improper or inadequate maintenance.
11. Possible violations under this BASIC: 506 • Number that
could affect driver’s grade: 249 (average severity = 5.4)
11
BASIC #6 – Improper Loading/Cargo Securement
Improper Loading/Cargo
Securement Safety Violations
Severity
Rating
Inadequate securement of hazardous materials. 10
Failing to secure load properly. 10
Failing to inspect cargo while enroute. 10
Failing to use flag on projecting load. 10
Using damaged securement systems (tie
downs).
10
Using to few or no tie downs. 10
Parking brake not set while loading/unloading
HAZMAT.
7
Size or weight violations 7
Driving with obstructions to view or movement. 7
Pushing or towing a loaded bus. 7
Improper warning flag placement. 7
LOADING & SECUREMENT VIOLATIONS BY SEVERITY - The higher
the severity, the more crash risk and the more your grade on this BASIC
will be affected. Being placed out of service increases the severity by
2 points.
When determining your monthly grade on Cargo Loading &
Securement, the FMCSA will consider:
• Violations from the past 36 months — or 24 months for
RoadLink’s grade.
• The types of violations committed — some are worse than
others (see table at the right).
• The age of the violations — recent violations bear more weight.
• The number of inspections — the more “clean” inspections the
better.
HOW WILL IMPROPER LOADING & SECUREMENT AFFECT ME?
Aside from facing cargo claims, drivers who fail to properly load
and/or secure their cargo can affect their — and their company’s —
safety rating, which could get the attention of the FMCSA. This
could lead to more roadside inspections, a warning letter, an audit,
or even an out-of-service order. The more violations, the higher the
BASIC score and the higher the likelihood the FMCSA will
intervene, even if you switch companies.
HOW IS THE LOADING & SECUREMENT BASIC
MEASURED?
Using violations of certain federal safety rules recorded
during roadside inspections during the past 3 years.
WHAT’S CONSIDERED A LOADING &
SECUREMENT VIOLATION?
A CMV incident resulting from shifting loads, spilled or dropped
cargo, or the unsafe handling of hazardous materials.
12. Possible violations under this BASIC: 3 • Number that
could affect driver’s grade: 3 (average severity = 8.3)12
BASIC #7 – Controlled Substance or Alcohol
Controlled Substance/Alcohol
Safety Violations
Severity
Rating
Violating an out-of service order related to drug
or alcohol use.
10
Using or possessing controlled substances. 10
Possessing, using or being under the influence
of alcohol 4 hours prior to duty.
5
DRUG AND ALCOHOL VIOLATIONS BY SEVERITY
The higher the severity, the more crash risk and the more your
grade on this BASIC will be affected.
Your safety rating is updated every 30 days. When
grading you on this BASIC, the FMCSA will consider:
• Drug/alcohol violations from the past 36 months — or
24 months for RoadLink’s grade
• The types of violations committed — some bear more
weight than others (see table at the right).
• The age of the violations — the more recent the
violation, the worse it is.
HOW WILL DRUG & ALCOHOL VIOLATIONS AFFECT ME?
If your record includes violations of the drug or alcohol rules, your safety
ranking (and that of your company) will be damaged. The result could be
intervention by the FMCSA, including more roadside inspections, a
warning letter, an audit, or even an out-of-service order. You personally
could be fined. The more violations, the higher the BASIC score and the
more likely the FMCSA will take action.
HOW IS THE DRUG & ALCOHOL BASIC MEASURED?
Using violations of federal safety rules 392.4 and 392.5, as recorded
during roadside inspections during the past 3 years. Prevention of drug
and alcohol violations is among the “essential” safety management
controls that a company must have in place, and drug and alcohol
violations are among the “fundamental” violations that can result in an
automatic failing grade.
WHAT’S COVERED IN THE DRUG & ALCOHOL BASIC?
Operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) while in possession
of alcohol or illegal drugs, or impaired due to alcohol, illegal drugs,
or misuse of prescription or over-the-counter medications.
13. 13
CSA 2010 Interventions/Corrective Actions
Intervention #1
“The Warning
Letter”
Warning letters are
sent to carriers
when they perform
poorly in one or
more BASICs. The
letter describes the
apparent safety
problems and the
potential
consequences of
continued
violations.
Intervention #2
“The Targeted
Roadside
Inspection”
Once a warning
letter is issued,
targeted roadside
inspections are
used to verify that
the warning letter
was taken
seriously. The
roadside inspector
will focus on the
safety problems
raised in the
warning letter.
Intervention #3
“The
Investigation”
These include an
off-site
investigation of
your compliance
paperwork (at an
FMCSA office), a
focused on-site
investigation that
concentrates on an
identified safety
problem, or a
comprehensive on-
site investigation,
used when a
carrier exhibits
broad and complex
safety problems
and is failing on
multiple BASICs.
Intervention #4
“The Cooperative
Safety Plan”
A cooperative
safety plan is a
compliance
improvement plan
developed and
implemented
voluntarily by a
motor carrier in
cooperation with
the FMCSA. It’s
usually triggered
after investigation
reveals safety
problems that the
carrier expresses a
willingness to fix.
Intervention #5
“The Notice”
A Notice of
Violation is used
to put a carrier on
notice of specific
regulatory
violations. The
carrier would then
have to provide
evidence the
problems were
fixed or
successfully
challenge the
violations. A
Notice of Claim
includes a fine and
is used to deter
severe or
persistent unsafe
behavior.
Intervention #6
“The Settlement
Agreement”
The settlement
agreement is used
to contractually
bind the carrier to
take actions to
improve safety
while avoiding
fines or
suspension. It
allows the carrier
to avoid significant
penalties by
committing to
major safety
improvements.
Failure to comply
with the agreement
can result in the
maximum fine.
Intervention #7
“The Unfit
Suspension”
With an unfit
suspension, a
motor carrier is
basically placed
out of business,
ordered to stop
operating
commercial motor
vehicles due to a
willful disregard for
safety. This is the
most severe form
of intervention
available.
16. 16
Frequently Asked Questions
• Will I still receive a violation if I’m not cited? Yes. All unsafe driving violations reported at the roadside will be
factored into your grade on this BASIC, even if a citation or ticket is not issued!
• Is maintaining my logs “real-time” really that important? Violations of the hours-of-service rules were cited
almost 740,000 times in 2008, or almost one-third of all traffic enforcement violations recorded that year.
• How much time do I have to notify the state if I receive a conviction? If you have a CDL and are convicted of
violating a state or local traffic control law (other than parking) in a state other than the one that issued your license,
you are required to notify the licensing state within 30 days.
• Is it ok to go ahead and drive to my home domicile if given an out-of-service order? Absolutely not!
Operating a vehicle that has been placed out of service (i.e., “jumping” an OOS order) could cost you up to $2,100
in fines, and RoadLink up to $16,000.
• What exactly is a DOT reportable crash?
• A DOT reportable crash involves a vehicle being towed from the scene, an injury, or a fatality. It must be reported
immediately to your dispatcher or Regional Safety Manager.
• Why is Controlled Substance/Alcohol listed as a CSA 2010 BASIC? Two (2) DUI or DWI convictions in any
type of vehicle can result in lifetime disqualification. The key here is does not have to be a CMV.
• Does my performance affect RoadLink’s safety rating?
• Yes! Your performance in the BASICs has an immediate effect on RoadLink’s safety rating, and your own!
17. 17
Frequently Asked Questions
•How can I avoid intervention and improve my safety record? Learn all you can about CSA 2010. Take a look at your
safety record and see how you’re doing on the BASICs. Is there room for improvement? Strive for “clean” inspections. Work
with your RoadLink representative to make sure your safety record is accurate, so bad data doesn’t come around to bite you.
Participate in company safety programs like refresher training and safety meetings. Always drive safely and in compliance!
• What are the BASICs? The Behavioral Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories, or BASICs, are seven
categories of safety-related violations on which you and RoadLink will be graded under CSA 2010. They are:
unsafe driving, fatigued driving, driver fitness, drugs/alcohol, vehicle maintenance, cargo loading/securement, and
crash history.
• How far back does the FMCSA look at my safety record? Under CSA 2010, violation and crash data collected
in the prior 36 months will affect your safety grade. The safer you drive today, the better your record will be
tomorrow!
• How will the FMCSA intervene? The FMCSA will have a variety of new tools in its arsenal for making sure
you’re operating safely and in compliance, before a crash occurs:
• Warning letters • Roadside inspections • Off-site or on-site audits • Cooperative safety plans
• Notices of violation or claim • Settlement agreements • Out-of-service orders
• Why don’t all violations count the same? When a carrier or driver’s performance in each BASIC is “graded,”
some violations will count more than others depending on:
• The amount of risk involved — reckless driving counts more than a failure to use your emergency flashers.
• How old is the violation — newer violations bear more weight, but violations can still haunt you for 3 years, or
RoadLink for 2 years.
• How many inspections you’ve had — a single bad inspection won’t ruin your record.
• Are out-of-service violations the only violations that count toward my safety record? No! Under CSA 2010
both out-of-service and non-out-of-service violations count against your record.
