How Speed Limit Changes Affect Drivers and CSA Scores
The FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) created the CSA program in order to increase driver safety and accountability. It is intended to help prevent accidents and enforce rules by using CSA scores to ensure driver responsibility and liability. The scores are determined by measuring and evaluating how well drivers adhere to laws and driving regulations, including speed limits.
When speed limits are changed, how does this affect commercial drivers and CSA scores?
A lot of different studies have been performed to determine how speed limit changes affect drivers. During these studies, researchers also examine whether there is an increase or decrease in the number of road accidents. In general, most studies have shown that posting a different speed limit does not impact a driver’s speed. People will continue to drive at the speeds that they feel are reasonable and based on the speeds of other motorists.
Drivers were more likely to violate the speed limit when speeds are reduced, when compared to raising a speed limit. As far as an increase or decrease in the occurrence of accidents, these same studies concluded that lowering or increasing the speed limit does not result in a change in the number of road accidents or fatalities. Essentially, adjusting speed limits has little effect on a driver’s behavior.
Recent Changes to the CSA Program
The FMCSA has recently instituted several changes to the CSA program. This is partially due to various complaints from those in the trucking industry that do not feel the CSA program is reliable or accurate enough. The American Trucking Association (ATA) has urged the FMCSA to adopt changes to how CSA scores are calculated and enforced.
Some of the changes to the CSA program include making adjustments to how speed limit violations affect overall CSA scores. One of these changes was to remove CSA penalties for speeding violations that are within 1 to 5 miles per hour of the instituted speed limit. They have also reduced the severity of speeding violations and how they are used when calculating CSA scores.
Stay Updated About CSA Program Changes
Commercial drivers, and companies that employ commercial drivers, need to remain aware of any updates or changes to the CSA program. Small changes to affect a driver’s CSA score and whether they are allowed to continue operating a commercial vehicle. If you ever have a question about the CSA program, or speed limit changes, contact us at Office Tenders. We would love to help you out.
