Understanding the New Opportunity for Crash Accountability
Motor carriers now have more options to challenge non-preventable crashes and have them removed from their Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) scores. This is a game-changer for fleets unfairly penalized for accidents they couldn’t have prevented. But taking advantage of this requires a clear understanding of the process, the necessary documentation, and the proper steps after an accident occurs.

What Makes a Crash Non-Preventable?
A crash is considered non-preventable if the motor carrier or driver did everything reasonable to avoid it. Common examples include being struck while legally parked, hit from behind, collisions with animals, or crashes caused by another motorist violating traffic laws. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reviews these cases through the Crash Preventability Determination Program (CPDP) to determine if they should be removed from a carrier’s safety record.

What You Need to Get a Crash Removed
To challenge a crash, you must provide clear and convincing evidence that the accident was non-preventable. Essential documentation includes:

• Police accident reports
• Dashcam footage
• Witness statements
• Insurance findings showing the other party was at fault
• Any other supporting documents that prove the driver was not responsible
  Without strong evidence, FMCSA is unlikely to approve the request.

How to Submit a Crash for Review
Motor carriers can submit their requests through FMCSA’s DataQs system. The process includes uploading the required evidence and selecting the appropriate crash category. FMCSA reviews the submission and may take up to several months to determine whether to remove the crash from the CSA score. If denied, carriers may be able to provide additional information or appeal the decision.

What to Do at the Scene of the Accident
If an accident occurs, drivers should follow specific steps to protect themselves and ensure proper documentation:

• Remain calm and ensure safety first. Move to a safe location if possible.
• Call law enforcement immediately.
• Take photos and video footage of the scene, including vehicle positions, damages, road conditions, and any traffic signals.
• Obtain witness statements and contact information.
• Request a copy of the police report once available.
• Notify the fleet manager as soon as possible.

What NOT to Do at the Scene

• Never admit fault or apologize, as this can be misinterpreted as an admission of liability.
• Do not argue with other drivers or police officers.
• Avoid discussing details of the crash with anyone other than law enforcement, your fleet manager, and your insurance representative.
• Do not post about the accident on social media.

Interacting with Police and Fleet Managers
When speaking with law enforcement, drivers should stick to the facts. Provide a clear, objective account of what happened but avoid speculation. If unsure about any details, it’s better to say “I don’t know” rather than guessing.

Fleet managers should immediately gather all necessary evidence and start the DataQs process if the crash appears to be non-preventable. This includes reviewing dashcam footage, obtaining police reports, and ensuring the driver’s statement is thorough.

Working with Insurance Companies
Fleet managers should report the accident to their insurance provider as soon as possible. Work closely with adjusters to gather all necessary information, and ensure the insurer’s findings align with FMCSA’s criteria for non-preventability. If another party is clearly at fault, pursue their insurance for damages.

Motor carriers now have a better opportunity to remove unfair crash penalties from their CSA scores, but success depends on having the right documentation and following the proper procedures. Being proactive at the accident scene, gathering evidence, and correctly navigating the FMCSA review process can make all the difference in maintaining a clean safety record.