As August gets underway, commercial fleets should begin preparing for a significant change in roadway conditions. As students return to school in the coming weeks, school buses will resume daily routes, pedestrian and bicycle traffic will increase, and residential streets will become more congested during morning drop-off and afternoon dismissal. 

For commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operators, these changes create a seasonal increase in route risk. Delivery trucks, tankers, service vehicles, municipal fleets, and other commercial vehicles may suddenly find themselves sharing busy roads with school buses, children, parents, and inexperienced young drivers.

School buses themselves are among the safest forms of transportation for students. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), children are at greater risk when they are approaching or leaving a school bus, particularly while crossing roadways or moving through the area around a stopped bus.

For fleet operators, back-to-school safety should not be treated as a temporary traffic inconvenience. It is an opportunity to review routes, reinforce defensive driving expectations, and proactively reduce exposure to high-risk areas.

Why Back-to-School Traffic Creates Additional Fleet Risk

School zones introduce several factors that can challenge even experienced commercial drivers.

Traffic patterns become less predictable. Passenger vehicles may stop suddenly, change lanes without warning, or pull into and out of driveways. School buses make frequent stops. Children may enter crosswalks or roadways unexpectedly. Bicycles, scooters, and pedestrians can appear suddenly from behind parked vehicles.

For a commercial vehicle, the consequences of an unexpected situation can be amplified by vehicle size, weight, blind spots, and stopping distance.

The goal should be simple: identify these risks before the truck enters the area rather than relying on the driver to react after a hazard develops.

Understand the School Bus Stop-Arm Laws

One of the most important back-to-school reminders for commercial drivers is knowing how to respond to a stopped school bus.

NHTSA confirms that every state has laws prohibiting motorists from passing a stopped school bus when its red lights are flashing and its stop arm is deployed. However, the specific requirements for traffic approaching from the opposite direction can vary based on the roadway configuration and state law.

Drivers should understand the basic sequence:

• Yellow or amber flashing lights: The school bus is preparing to stop. Slow down and prepare to stop.
• Red flashing lights and extended stop arm: The bus has stopped to load or unload students. Stop as required by applicable state law.
• Remain stopped: Do not proceed until the red lights stop flashing, the stop arm retracts, and the bus begins moving, consistent with applicable law.

Drivers operating across multiple states should not assume the same roadway exceptions apply everywhere. State laws can differ regarding divided highways, medians, and multi-lane roadways.

The safest approach is to treat a stopped school bus as a high-priority hazard and follow the applicable state requirements every time.

The School Bus Danger Zone

NHTSA identifies a 10-foot danger zone around a stopped school bus where children are particularly vulnerable. Students may need to cross in front of the bus, walk alongside it, or move between the bus and surrounding traffic.

Commercial drivers should remember that they may be dealing with multiple layers of limited visibility at once.

A commercial truck has its own blind spots, while the school bus has additional areas where children may be difficult to see. A child can also be hidden by parked vehicles, landscaping, other traffic, or the school bus itself.

This is why drivers should never assume that a clear view of the roadway means the area around the bus is clear.

Slow down, increase following distance, scan continuously, and expect children to move unpredictably.

Route Planning: Avoid the Risk Before the Trip Begins

One of the most effective ways to reduce school zone exposure is to address the problem during dispatch and route planning.

Safety should not depend entirely on a driver recognizing every school along a route. Dispatchers and safety managers can identify schools, bus stops, and recurring congestion points ahead of time and incorporate them into route planning.

NHTSA's school transportation guidance emphasizes the importance of identifying and managing route hazards, including visibility issues, roadway design, and other conditions that can affect safe travel.

Consider Time-Based Rerouting

School-related congestion typically increases during morning arrival and afternoon dismissal.

Depending on the area, fleets may benefit from identifying recurring peak periods, such as:

• Morning: Approximately 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM
• Afternoon: Approximately 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM

These should be treated as planning windows rather than universal school-zone hours. Local schedules vary, and individual schools may have different arrival and dismissal times.

Where practical, consider routing heavy commercial vehicles away from residential streets and school corridors during these periods.

Adjust Delivery and Service Windows

Some fleets cannot completely avoid school areas. Deliveries, maintenance calls, tank pumping, utility work, and other services may require access to neighborhoods near schools.

When possible, adjust service windows so large commercial vehicles are not entering these areas during the busiest arrival and dismissal periods.

A small scheduling adjustment can reduce:

• Pedestrian exposure
• Sudden stops
• Traffic congestion
• Difficult turns
• Backing situations
• Driver stress
• Interaction with stopped school buses

The safest route is often the one that eliminates unnecessary exposure before the vehicle leaves the terminal.

Defensive Driving for Back-to-School Conditions

Route planning reduces exposure, but drivers still need specific techniques for navigating changing roadway conditions.

Extend Your Visual Lead Time

In busy residential and school areas, drivers should actively scan well ahead of the vehicle rather than focusing only on the immediate roadway.

At 20 mph, a vehicle travels approximately 29 feet per second. A 15-second visual lead provides roughly 440 feet of roadway awareness.

That additional visibility gives drivers more time to identify:

• School buses preparing to stop
• Flashing school zone signals
• Pedestrians approaching a crosswalk
• Children near the curb
• Vehicles stopped in traffic
• Sudden lane changes
• Bicycles and scooters
• Congestion around school entrances

The earlier a driver identifies a developing hazard, the more options they have to respond smoothly.

Increase Following Distance

Commercial vehicles need more room to slow and stop than passenger vehicles.

This becomes especially important around school buses and congested intersections. A passenger vehicle may stop suddenly when a child approaches a crosswalk or a bus activates its warning lights.

Following too closely removes the driver's ability to respond gradually.

For tank trucks and other vehicles carrying liquid cargo, drivers should also consider how liquid movement can affect vehicle handling. Liquid surge can shift the vehicle's dynamics during braking and acceleration, making smooth inputs and additional following distance particularly important.

Use Proper Mirror Scanning

Large commercial vehicles have significant blind spots, particularly around turns and intersections.

Drivers should complete deliberate mirror scans before turning, changing lanes, or moving through pedestrian-heavy areas. The "rock and roll" technique can also help drivers adjust their viewing angle around mirrors and windshield pillars.

Before turning near a school or crosswalk:

1. Check mirrors.
2. Scan the crosswalk and sidewalk.
3. Look for pedestrians and bicycles.
4. Check areas that may be hidden by the vehicle's mirrors or pillars.
5. Proceed slowly and deliberately.

Never assume a crosswalk is clear simply because it was clear a few seconds earlier.

Eliminate Distraction Around School Zones

School zones are particularly unforgiving of distracted driving.

Federal regulations prohibit CMV drivers from texting while driving and prohibit the use of hand-held mobile telephones while operating a CMV. FMCSA notes that violations can result in civil penalties, driver disqualification, and negative impacts on a carrier's Safety Measurement System results.

The rules are especially important when traffic conditions are changing rapidly.

Drivers should set up navigation before moving, avoid manually interacting with mobile devices while driving, and keep their attention focused on the roadway.

No message, navigation adjustment, or phone call is worth taking your eyes away from a school zone.

A Simple Protocol for Approaching a Stopped School Bus

Every fleet should reinforce a consistent response to school buses during seasonal safety training.

1. Recognize the Warning

When yellow or amber lights begin flashing, recognize that the bus is preparing to stop.

Reduce speed and prepare to stop. Do not accelerate in an attempt to pass the bus before it stops.

2. Stop as Required

When the red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, bring the commercial vehicle to a complete stop as required by applicable state law.

Give yourself enough space to maintain visibility and avoid creating an additional hazard for students.

3. Stay Alert While Stopped

Do not treat the stop as an opportunity to look away from the roadway.

Continue scanning the surrounding area for pedestrians, bicycles, children crossing the roadway, and vehicles approaching from other directions.

4. Wait for the Bus to Clear

Remain stopped until the conditions required by applicable state law are met. As a general safety practice, drivers should wait for the red lights to stop, the stop arm to retract, and the bus to begin moving before proceeding.

Always verify that the roadway and crosswalk are clear before accelerating.

Use Telematics to Identify Route Risk

Back-to-school safety does not have to rely entirely on observation.

Fleet telematics can provide safety managers with valuable information about how vehicles are operating in high-risk areas. Depending on the system, fleets may be able to monitor speeding, hard braking, acceleration, and other driving behaviors.

Consider reviewing data for recurring patterns such as:

• Speeding near schools
• Hard braking during arrival or dismissal periods
• Rapid acceleration after stops
• Repeated driving through known congestion areas
• Frequent route deviations
• Aggressive driving behaviors

The objective should be prevention, not punishment.

If a driver repeatedly brakes hard near the same school every afternoon, the solution may not be as simple as telling the driver to "be more careful." The route, delivery window, traffic pattern, or dispatch instructions may need to be addressed.

Build Back-to-School Safety Into Your Training Program

Seasonal risks are an ideal opportunity for short, targeted safety training.

Rather than relying exclusively on an annual defensive driving course, safety managers can use brief toolbox talks, micro-learning, or tailgate training to address the specific conditions drivers are experiencing right now.

Consider covering topics such as:

• School bus stop-arm laws
• School bus danger zones
• Pedestrian and bicycle awareness
• Blind spots around commercial vehicles
• Proper mirror adjustment
• Following distance
• Defensive driving in residential areas
• Distracted driving
• Route planning around schools
• Local school zone speed requirements
• Safe turning and intersection scanning

Short, timely training can reinforce expectations when the information is most relevant.

Document Your Seasonal Safety Efforts

Training is only one part of an effective safety program. Documentation is equally important.

Keep records of:

• Back-to-school safety training
• Driver attendance and completion
• Driver acknowledgments or sign-offs
• Route changes
• Seasonal safety communications
• Coaching activities
• Telematics reviews
• Corrective actions

A documented process helps demonstrate that the organization is actively identifying and addressing foreseeable roadway risks.

It also gives safety managers a record they can use to evaluate what worked and what should change for the next school year.

Back-to-School Fleet Safety Checklist

Before the school year gets fully underway, safety managers and dispatchers should ask:

Routes

• Have school locations and recurring congestion areas been identified?
• Are heavy vehicles routed away from school areas when practical?
• Can delivery or service windows be adjusted?

Drivers

• Have drivers reviewed school bus stop-arm requirements?
• Have pedestrian and bicycle hazards been discussed?
• Are drivers reminded about increased following distance?
• Have distracted driving expectations been reinforced?

Vehicles

• Are mirrors properly adjusted?
• Are cameras and other visibility systems functioning properly?
• Have drivers completed required pre-trip inspections?

Monitoring

• Are telematics alerts being reviewed?
• Are speeding and hard-braking trends being monitored?
• Are recurring route problems being addressed?

Training

• Has seasonal safety training been assigned?
• Are completion records documented?
• Are supervisors prepared to provide coaching when risks are identified?

Frequently Asked Questions

Are commercial vehicles required to stop for a school bus on a multi-lane highway?

It depends on the roadway configuration and applicable state law. Traffic approaching a stopped school bus from behind must stop when the bus's red lights are flashing and the stop arm is deployed. Requirements for traffic approaching from the opposite direction can vary on divided or multi-lane roadways.

Fleet operators should make sure drivers understand the laws in every state where they operate.

What happens if a CDL driver is caught texting while driving?

Federal regulations prohibit CMV drivers from texting while driving. FMCSA states that penalties can reach $2,750 for drivers and $11,000 for employers who allow or require prohibited texting or hand-held mobile phone use. Multiple violations can also result in driver disqualification.

State laws and additional penalties may also apply.

How does liquid surge affect tank truck safety?

Liquid surge occurs when liquid cargo moves inside a tank, particularly when the tank is not completely full. During braking or acceleration, that movement can affect vehicle handling and stability.

Tank truck drivers should account for the additional dynamics of liquid cargo by maintaining appropriate following distance and using smooth braking, steering, and acceleration techniques.

How can fleet managers identify school zone route risks?

Start by mapping schools, bus routes, recurring congestion points, and customer locations near schools. From there, dispatchers can evaluate delivery times and alternative routes.

Fleet telematics and routing technology can also help identify speeding, hard braking, route deviations, and other behaviors that may indicate increased risk.

Drive Into the New School Year Prepared

Back-to-school traffic is predictable even when the individual hazards are not.

School buses will stop. Children will walk and ride bicycles. Parents will stop unexpectedly. Traffic will become congested. Commercial vehicles will continue to operate in the middle of it all.

The strongest fleet safety programs plan for these conditions before they become a problem.

By reviewing routes, adjusting service windows, reinforcing defensive driving practices, eliminating distractions, monitoring telematics data, and providing targeted seasonal training, fleet operators can reduce unnecessary exposure to school zone risks while building a stronger safety culture.

Sentry Road Safety Compliance Training can help your organization keep seasonal safety training simple, trackable, and audit-ready. Our compliance platform makes it easier to deliver targeted training, track completion, and maintain the documentation your safety program needs.

As a new school year begins, make sure your fleet is ready for the roads ahead.

Additional Resources

• NHTSA School Bus Safety
• NHTSA Planning Safer School Bus Stops and Routes
• FMCSA Distracted Driving Resources
• FMCSA No Texting Rule Fact Sheet

Every mile driven represents a safety decision.

For commercial transportation companies, a single moment of distraction, fatigue, poor judgment, or unsafe behavior can impact drivers, customers, other motorists, and the communities where fleets operate. While logistics teams focus on efficiency, delivery schedules, and operational demands, safety remains the foundation that keeps everything moving.

A strong fleet safety program is not built around reacting to incidents. It is built through consistent training, clear expectations, and proactive risk management.

For safety managers and transportation leaders, this creates an ongoing challenge: how do you maintain consistent safety standards across multiple drivers, terminals, and locations while keeping employees engaged and compliance records organized?

Annual initiatives like Operation Safe Driver Week, led by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), provide an important reminder of the behaviors that contribute to roadway risk. However, safe driving cannot be addressed once a year. The most effective fleets use continuous training and documentation practices to reinforce safe behaviors every day.

Understanding Operation Safe Driver Week

Operation Safe Driver Week is an annual safety initiative conducted throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. During this event, law enforcement agencies increase awareness and enforcement efforts focused on identifying unsafe driving behaviors among commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers and passenger vehicle operators.

The purpose of the initiative extends beyond issuing violations. It is designed to identify common risk factors and encourage organizations to address unsafe behaviors before they contribute to serious crashes.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), driver behavior is one of the leading contributing factors in roadway crashes. This highlights an important opportunity for transportation organizations: many incidents can be prevented through proper training, coaching, and reinforcement.

For fleet safety teams, the information gathered during Operation Safe Driver Week can serve as a valuable benchmark. It allows organizations to evaluate whether their current training programs are addressing the behaviors that create the greatest risk.

Common Driving Behaviors That Increase Fleet Risk

Unsafe driving behaviors often happen in seconds, but the consequences can last for years. Identifying and addressing these risks before an incident occurs is a key part of proactive fleet safety management.

Speeding

Speeding continues to be one of the most common traffic violations observed during roadside enforcement.

For commercial vehicles, excessive speed creates additional challenges by increasing stopping distance and reducing the amount of time a driver has to respond to changing road conditions.

Effective driver training should focus on more than posted speed limits. Drivers should understand how speed decisions are affected by:

• Weather conditions
• Traffic patterns
• Vehicle size and weight
• Road conditions
• Available stopping distance

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving remains one of the most significant safety concerns on today’s roadways.

Distractions can include:

• Mobile device use
• Eating or drinking
• Adjusting equipment
• Looking away from the roadway
• Any activity that reduces attention while driving

For professional drivers, maintaining focus is critical. A few seconds of distraction can create a dangerous situation when operating a commercial vehicle.

Following Distance

Commercial vehicles require more time and distance to stop than passenger vehicles. Following too closely reduces the time available to react to sudden traffic changes, stopped vehicles, or unexpected hazards.

Defensive driving training should reinforce proper following distance and help drivers recognize situations where additional space is needed.

Lane Discipline and Vehicle Awareness

Large commercial vehicles have unique operating challenges, including blind spots, limited maneuverability, and increased stopping distances.

Safe lane changes require:

• Proper mirror use
• Awareness of surrounding vehicles
• Proper signaling
• Planning ahead before maneuvering

Building these habits through consistent training helps reduce preventable roadway incidents.

The Challenge of Managing Fleet Safety Across Multiple Locations

For many transportation organizations, maintaining a consistent safety program becomes more complex as operations grow.

Safety teams often manage:

• Multiple terminals and locations
• Large driver populations
• Employee turnover
• Different training requirements by role
• Changing regulatory expectations
• The need for accurate compliance records

A safety program is only effective when employees receive the right training and organizations can verify completion.

Without centralized tracking and documentation, safety teams may spend valuable time searching for records instead of focusing on improving safety performance.

This is why many transportation organizations are moving toward digital safety training platforms that provide accessible training, automated tracking, and audit-ready reporting.

FMCSA Compliance and Fleet Safety Requirements

While Operation Safe Driver Week highlights roadway behaviors, daily fleet operations are governed by federal requirements established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Understanding these requirements is essential for maintaining a compliant transportation operation.

Hours of Service Compliance

Hours of Service (HOS) regulations under 49 CFR Part 395 are designed to reduce fatigue-related incidents by establishing driving limits and required rest periods.

Driver fatigue can impact:

• Reaction time
• Decision-making
• Awareness
• Overall driving performance

Maintaining accurate records and properly managing Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) are essential components of compliance.

Driver Qualification Files

Under 49 CFR Part 391, motor carriers must maintain Driver Qualification Files (DQFs) for each driver.

These records help verify that drivers meet qualification requirements, including:

• Valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• Medical examiner certification
• Required employment documentation
• Annual Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) reviews

Keeping complete and organized records helps prevent compliance gaps during audits or inspections.

Drug and Alcohol Compliance

The FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse requirements under 49 CFR Part 382 help ensure organizations maintain proper testing programs.

Required processes include:

• Pre-employment queries
• Random testing
• Post-accident testing
• Return-to-duty procedures

A structured compliance process protects both employees and the organization.

Fleet Safety Extends Beyond the Road

Transportation safety does not stop when a vehicle leaves the terminal.

Commercial drivers, maintenance employees, and operational teams all work within environments where safety hazards must be identified and controlled.

OSHA’s General Duty Clause requires employers to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards that could cause serious harm.

This includes addressing risks associated with:

• Maintenance operations
• Loading areas
• Equipment use
• Emergency procedures
• Workplace safety practices

A complete safety program considers every part of the employee experience, from the terminal to the highway.

Building a Proactive Fleet Safety Training Program

Compliance requirements provide the foundation, but strong safety cultures are built through consistent reinforcement and employee engagement.

1. Use Microlearning to Reinforce Critical Safety Topics

Transportation professionals have demanding schedules. Removing drivers from operations for long classroom sessions is not always practical.

Microlearning provides a way to deliver focused training on specific safety topics in shorter, manageable lessons.

Examples include:

• Defensive driving
• Blind spot awareness
• Pre-trip inspections
• Distracted driving prevention
• Adverse weather driving

Microlearning works best as part of a broader safety strategy by reinforcing important concepts throughout the year.

2. Use Scenario-Based Training

Knowing a safety rule is different from applying it in a real situation.

Scenario-based training allows employees to think through realistic situations and practice making safe decisions.

Examples include:

• Responding to sudden traffic hazards
• Adjusting driving behavior during severe weather
• Identifying inspection concerns
• Choosing the safest response during a roadway event

Interactive training helps employees connect safety concepts to real-world decisions.

3. Maintain Audit-Ready Training Records

In safety compliance, documentation matters.

If training is completed but cannot be verified, organizations may struggle to demonstrate compliance during an FMCSA review, OSHA inspection, or internal audit.

A strong digital training system should provide:

• Employee completion records
• Completion dates and timestamps
• Assessment results
• Training certificates
• Historical records
• Easy reporting access

Having organized records allows safety teams to quickly demonstrate compliance and identify areas for improvement.

Building a Culture of Safety Every Day

Operation Safe Driver Week is an important reminder that safe driving requires continuous attention. However, successful fleet safety programs are not built around one week of enforcement. They are built through daily habits, ongoing education, and consistent accountability.

By combining fleet safety training, regulatory compliance practices, and reliable documentation processes, transportation organizations can reduce risk and create safer operations for everyone.

Sentry Road helps transportation companies simplify safety compliance through customized training programs, digital recordkeeping, and reporting solutions designed for modern fleet operations.

For most carriers, CSA scores have always been a DOT enforcement matter - something you watched because of compliance reviews and warning letters. If your scores were elevated but you were still getting loads, the urgency was easy to ignore.

That changed on May 14, 2026.

In a unanimous 9-0 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II, LLC that freight brokers can be held liable under state negligent hiring laws when they book loads with carriers who have known safety problems. The Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act - the federal shield brokers have historically used to block these lawsuits - does not apply. The case involved C.H. Robinson, one of the country's largest brokers, and a carrier that held a Conditional safety rating at the time of the booking.

The implications for carriers are direct: brokers now have a legal and financial incentive to tighten who they put freight on. C.H. Robinson has already begun removing carriers from its approved list based on safety data. Others are following. Your CSA scores - and your ability to demonstrate a documented safety program - are now part of the commercial conversation whether you're ready or not.

The good news is that CSA scores can be improved. Here's how.

First: Understand How Your Scores Actually Work

Your CSA scores are calculated through FMCSA's Safety Measurement System (SMS), which analyzes roadside inspections, crash data, and compliance review findings over the past 24 months. Your score in each BASIC category is a percentile ranking from 0 to 100 - lower is better. A score of 75 means 75% of comparable carriers outperformed you.

As of 2026, FMCSA has restructured the SMS categories. The scoring now covers six BASIC categories:

• Unsafe Driving - Speeding, reckless driving, distracted driving, lane violations (intervention threshold: 65th percentile)
• Hours-of-Service Compliance - Log violations, driving beyond limits, ELD issues (intervention threshold: 65th percentile)
• Driver Fitness - Expired CDLs, invalid medical certificates, missing endorsements (intervention threshold: 80th percentile)
• Controlled Substances/Alcohol - Drug and alcohol violations, including test refusals (intervention threshold: 80th percentile)
• Vehicle Maintenance - Equipment defects, lighting, brakes, tires, cargo securement (intervention threshold: 80th percentile)
• Crash Indicator - History of crashes weighted by frequency and severity (intervention threshold: 65th percentile)

One thing many fleet managers don't fully appreciate: violations aren't weighted equally by age. The SMS uses a three-tier time multiplier. Violations from the past six months carry a 3x weight. Six to twelve months ago: 2x. Twelve to twenty-four months: 1x. After twenty-four months, they fall off entirely.

That means a clean stretch of six months moves the needle faster than most people expect - but it requires an active, consistent safety program, not a hope-and-wait approach.

What Actually Improves CSA Scores

1. Address Driver Behavior Before It Becomes a Violation

The Unsafe Driving BASIC is one of the most visible to brokers and one of the most trainable. Speeding, following distance, seatbelt compliance, distracted driving - these behaviors show up in roadside inspections and, more significantly, in crash events. The violation weights are high: texting while driving carries a severity weight of 10 (the maximum). Speeding over 15 mph over the limit: 9.

Ongoing, documented driver training is the most direct lever here. Not a one-time orientation video - a sustained training cadence that covers defensive driving, distraction awareness, and professional driving standards. Brokers who vet by CSA scores want to see that you have a program, that it runs regularly, and that you can prove it.

2. Make Pre-Trip Inspections Non-Negotiable

Vehicle Maintenance violations are among the most common CSA score drivers for fleets that don't have a disciplined pre-trip process. Lighting, brakes, tires, cargo securement - these are inspection targets every roadside officer checks. A driver who skips or rushes through the pre-trip puts the entire fleet's score at risk for a problem that takes two minutes to catch in the yard.

A documented pre-trip checklist, combined with training on what to look for, directly addresses this BASIC. The documentation matters as much as the inspection itself - if you can't show a record of the process, you can't defend it.

3. Keep Driver Qualification Files Current

Driver Fitness violations - expired CDLs, invalid medical certificates, wrong endorsements - are entirely preventable. They're administrative failures that happen when qualification file management isn't systematic. For fleets of 50 or more drivers, tracking expiration dates manually is how things fall through the cracks.

Build a process, assign accountability, and train supervisors on what a complete qualification file looks like. This BASIC should read zero. If it doesn't, something in your administrative process is broken.

4. Train HOS Compliance Rigorously and Continuously

Hours-of-service violations remain one of the highest-volume BASIC categories industry-wide. ELD adoption reduced some categories of falsification, but it didn't eliminate driver confusion about the rules themselves - especially around exceptions, splits, and the specific calculations that differ by operation type. Tank and bulk operations have their own wrinkles.

Regular HOS refresher training is not optional for a fleet that wants to protect its SMS standing. One misunderstood rule, repeated across a driving population, can move a percentile significantly.

5. Challenge Incorrect Data Through DataQs

Not every violation on your record is accurate. Officers make data entry errors. Inspections get miscoded. Crashes get attributed incorrectly. The FMCSA DataQs system exists to challenge these errors - but most fleets either don't use it systematically or only respond when they receive a warning letter.

Pull your SMS data monthly. When you see a violation that was incorrectly recorded, submit a DataQs request with supporting documentation. Removed violations improve your score immediately rather than waiting for time decay. This is one of the fastest improvement levers available if you have inaccurate data on your record.

6. Check Your Preview Scores Now

FMCSA has a 2026 SMS Prioritization Preview tool at csa.fmcsa.dot.gov/prioritizationpreview that shows your scores under the updated methodology before the system fully launches. If you haven't reviewed your preview scores, do that before anything else. The changes to violation weighting under the new system affect which BASICs you should prioritize - and what a realistic improvement timeline looks like.

The Documentation Problem Most Carriers Don't Know They Have

Here's what the Montgomery ruling surfaced that wasn't obvious before: it isn't just about having good scores. It's about being able to demonstrate that you take safety seriously in a way a broker - or a plaintiff attorney - can review.

Major brokers like Werner use CSA scores as part of their carrier vetting process and have signaled they look for more than a satisfactory safety rating. They look at the full picture. Most carriers don't have a safety rating at all - only CSA scores. And many carriers have no documented training program to show alongside those scores.

A broker who hires a carrier with elevated BASIC scores and no evidence of a safety program now has a significantly harder time defending that decision in court. That means they're less likely to make it. The carriers who protect their load access after Montgomery won't just be the ones with clean scores - they'll be the ones who can show the work.

What "showing the work" looks like:

• An ongoing training program with a documented curriculum that covers the BASIC categories
• Completion records that show which drivers completed which courses and when
• A regular training cadence - not annual orientation, but monthly or quarterly touchpoints
• Audit-ready records that can be pulled and shared with a broker or compliance reviewer on request
• A paper trail that predates any incident - not a program you stand up after something goes wrong

A Note on Timeline

If you're looking at your CSA scores today and they're elevated, the path to meaningful improvement is a 6-to-12-month discipline. The 3x weight on recent violations means that getting clean now matters more than anything else. But you need to start now - not after your next broker review or your next renewal.

The carriers who are going to be most affected by the post-Montgomery vetting environment are the ones who don't take action in the next 90 days. The ones who get ahead of this - who implement a documented training program, clean up their inspection process, and can walk into a broker qualification conversation with something to show - are going to be in a very different position than the ones who wait.

How Sentry Road Helps

Sentry Road is a safety and compliance training platform built specifically for transportation and industrial operations. Our LMS delivers FMCSA-relevant training on the topics that move CSA scores - defensive driving, HOS compliance, pre-trip inspections, driver fitness, and more - with full completion tracking, quiz scoring, and timestamped records you can share with brokers or present in a compliance review.

For fleets of 100 or more drivers, we can build custom training courses around your specific operations in five business days. Every course is audit-ready by design.

If you want to talk through where your scores stand and what a training program would look like for your fleet, I'm happy to have that conversation. No pitch deck - just a practical discussion about where you are and what would move the needle.

Schedule a CSA Score Diagnostic Call        |         sentryroad.com       |           jtormey@sentryroad.com

As winter fades and operations ramp back up, many high-risk industries—construction, transportation, tank trucking, and manufacturing—enter one of the most productive periods of the year. But with that seasonal shift comes a hazard that is consistently underestimated: wet pavement and hydroplaning risk.

While ice and snow are widely recognized as dangerous driving conditions, spring rain introduces a more deceptive and statistically significant threat. Unlike winter weather, which triggers defensive driving behavior, rain often creates a false sense of normalcy—even though road traction may be significantly reduced.

According to the Federal Highway Administration, wet pavement is a factor in approximately 78% of weather-related crash injuries, making it one of the most dangerous driving conditions for both commercial and non-commercial vehicles.

For safety leaders, fleet managers, and compliance teams, hydroplaning prevention is not seasonal awareness—it is an operational requirement.

Why Spring Rain Is More Dangerous Than Ice

At first glance, winter conditions appear more severe. Ice reduces traction, limits visibility, and forces drivers into cautious behavior.

However, spring rain introduces a different risk profile: behavioral complacency.

Drivers are far more likely to reduce speed and increase following distance in snow or ice. But in rain, especially light or moderate rainfall, many maintain highway speeds despite significantly reduced road friction.

This mismatch between perception and reality is what makes hydroplaning events more frequent during spring and early summer conditions.

The Physics Behind Hydroplaning

Hydroplaning occurs when a layer of water builds between a vehicle’s tires and the road surface, resulting in a loss of direct contact with the pavement.

At that point, the vehicle is no longer responding to road friction—it is effectively gliding over water.

A key concept in understanding hydroplaning is the “squeeze film” effect. As a tire rotates, tread channels are designed to displace water and maintain road contact. At higher speeds, the tire has less time to push water out of the contact patch. When water pressure exceeds the downward force of the vehicle, traction is lost.

For commercial vehicles, hydroplaning can begin at speeds as low as 35 mph, depending on tire condition, tread depth, and water accumulation.

This is why speed is the single most important factor in hydroplaning risk.

The “First Rain” Effect: A Hidden Seasonal Risk

One of the most overlooked hazards in spring driving is the “first rain” phenomenon.

After extended dry or winter conditions, road surfaces accumulate:

• Oil and fuel residue
• Rubber particles from tire wear
• Dust and fine debris

When rainfall begins, these materials mix with water to form a thin, highly lubricated surface layer. This significantly reduces friction beyond what is seen in steady rainfall conditions.

This effect is especially pronounced in industrial corridors, urban freight routes, and high-traffic loading areas.

Regulatory Expectations for Wet Weather Driving

Wet weather is not just a safety concern—it is a regulated operational condition.

FMCSA Wet Weather Driving Requirements

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration outlines expectations for commercial drivers under 49 CFR § 392.14 – Extreme Caution in Hazardous Conditions.

Key expectations include:

• Exercising extreme caution in adverse weather
• Adjusting speed based on road conditions
• Increasing following distance significantly
• Avoiding unsafe driving practices in reduced traction conditions

FMCSA guidance also emphasizes that drivers must reduce speed based on conditions, even if this means operating well below posted limits.

OSHA General Duty Clause: Workplace Driving Exposure

For industries involving forklifts, yard movement, loading docks, or site vehicles, wet surfaces fall under employer responsibility through the General Duty Clause.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires employers to address recognized hazards in the workplace.

This includes:

• Slippery dock conditions
• Vehicle movement during rain exposure
• Material handling on wet surfaces
• Unsafe operational speed during adverse conditions

Failure to mitigate known hazards can result in serious citations, including willful violations.

Key Factors That Increase Hydroplaning Risk

Hydroplaning is predictable. It occurs when multiple risk factors align.

1. Speed

Higher speeds reduce the tire’s ability to displace water.

2. Tire Tread Depth

Worn tires cannot channel water effectively, increasing lift risk.

3. Tire Inflation

Improper pressure reduces contact stability and water dispersion efficiency.

4. Water Depth

Even shallow standing water can trigger hydroplaning at highway speeds.

5. Load Distribution

In commercial transport, uneven axle loading can reduce tire contact pressure and increase instability.

Pre-Trip Prevention Checklist

Most hydroplaning incidents are preventable with consistent pre-trip inspection practices.

Key focus areas include:

• Tire tread depth and wear consistency
• Proper tire inflation levels
• Brake responsiveness
• Load securement and balance
• Windshield and visibility systems

For tank trucking operations, liquid surge also plays a critical role in stability, as shifting weight can amplify traction loss during wet conditions.

What Happens During Hydroplaning

If hydroplaning occurs, driver reaction is critical.

Best practices include:

• Gradually easing off the accelerator
• Avoiding sudden braking
• Maintaining steady steering input
• Waiting for tire contact to return before braking

Overcorrection is one of the leading causes of secondary loss-of-control incidents.

Business Impact of Hydroplaning Incidents

Hydroplaning is not just a safety event—it is an operational disruption.

A single commercial vehicle incident can result in:

• Significant equipment damage
• Regulatory investigation
• Increased insurance premiums
• Extended downtime and lost productivity
• Reduced driver retention

Industry estimates show weather-related fleet incidents can result in $100,000+ in combined direct and indirect costs, depending on severity and asset type.

Organizations that implement structured wet-weather training programs often see:

• Lower insurance risk classifications
• Improved safety audit outcomes
• Reduced preventable incident rates
• Higher driver retention rates

Hydroplaning Safety FAQ

What should a driver do during hydroplaning?

Ease off the accelerator, avoid braking, and maintain steady steering until traction returns.

Why does hydroplaning happen so quickly?

Because water pressure builds faster than tread can evacuate it at higher speeds.

Are heavier vehicles safer in wet conditions?

Heavier vehicles may hydroplane at higher speeds, but when loss of control occurs, the consequences are often more severe.

Can hydroplaning be fully prevented?

Not entirely—but risk can be significantly reduced through speed management, tire maintenance, and training.

Managing the Spring Transition Safely

Spring represents a period of increased operational activity—but also increased roadway risk. Hydroplaning remains one of the most common and preventable causes of weather-related fleet incidents.

By understanding the physics of water displacement, applying regulatory expectations from agencies like the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and reinforcing pre-trip inspection discipline, organizations can significantly reduce preventable incidents during wet weather operations.

Sentry Road can help your organization with hydroplaning hazard mitigation and more by providing structured, trackable safety training and compliance systems that ensure your teams are prepared for real-world driving conditions year-round.

If you’re ready to strengthen your wet-weather safety program and reduce preventable roadway risk, explore how Sentry Road’s compliance training platform supports safer, more consistent operations.

Long hours behind the wheel can take a toll on drivers. From commercial truck operators to delivery drivers, poor ergonomics can lead to discomfort, fatigue, and even injury. Understanding driver ergonomics and implementing simple strategies can improve health, performance, and safety on the road.

What Is Driver Ergonomics?

Driver ergonomics is how a driver’s body interacts with their vehicle. It’s about posture, seat adjustment, control reach, and visibility. Good ergonomics helps drivers:

• Maintain proper posture

• Reduce physical strain

• Stay alert and focused

• Prevent long-term musculoskeletal injuries

Why Ergonomics Matters

Even small discomforts can have a big impact over time:

• Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs): Neck, back, and shoulder pain are common among drivers. OSHA notes that MSDs are a leading cause of lost work time. OSHA Ergonomics

• Fatigue and Reduced Alertness: Discomfort leads to distraction and slower reactions.

• Long-Term Health Issues: Poor posture can increase risk for chronic back problems and cardiovascular issues.

• Safety Risks: Discomfort can impact a driver’s ability to perform safely.

Common Ergonomic Challenges

Drivers often face:

• Seats without proper lumbar support or adjustability

• Controls and mirrors that require awkward reaching

• Pedals that are too far or too close

• Prolonged static posture leading to stiffness

• Cabin vibrations or poor temperature control

How to Improve Driver Ergonomics

Seat and Posture

• Adjust the seat so hips are slightly higher than knees

• Support the natural curve of the spine

• Keep feet comfortably on the pedals

Steering Wheel and Controls

• Adjust the wheel so arms remain slightly bent

• Keep shoulders relaxed

• Mirrors positioned to minimize neck twisting

Movement and Micro-Breaks

• Take breaks every 1–2 hours to stretch

• Neck tilts, shoulder rolls, and leg stretches help circulation

• Incorporate short exercises during stops

Ergonomic Accessories

• Lumbar cushions, seat pads, or steering wheel grips

• Adjustable pedals or pedal extensions if needed

Training and Awareness

• Teach drivers proper posture and seat adjustment

• Encourage reporting discomfort to prevent injuries

• Use ergonomic checklists to ensure safe setup

For commercial drivers, the FMCSA offers guidance on driver safety and fatigue management: FMCSA Safety Guidelines

How Employers Can Help

• Provide adjustable seats and vehicle controls

• Train drivers on ergonomics best practices

• Encourage regular movement and micro-breaks

• Monitor feedback and adjust as needed

NIOSH also provides research-backed ergonomics strategies for workplaces: NIOSH Ergonomics

Key Takeaways

• Poor driver ergonomics contributes to discomfort, fatigue, and injury

• Simple adjustments to seat, controls, and mirrors improve posture and alertness

• Regular breaks and movement are essential

• Training and checklists support long-term safety and compliance

Investing in driver ergonomics not only protects health but also improves focus, safety, and performance on the road.

Sentry Road can help your organization implement driver ergonomics best practices, enhance training, and improve overall fleet safety.

Winter driving poses significant challenges for commercial truck drivers. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can reduce traction, limit visibility, and affect vehicle performance. This guide covers essential winter driving safety practices for the trucking industry, helping drivers stay prepared and avoid accidents.

Why Winter Driving is Dangerous for Trucks

Even experienced drivers can face risks during winter. Key hazards include:

• Black ice and frost: Common on bridges, overpasses, and shaded road sections.

• Reduced traction: Empty trailers or uneven loads increase skidding risk.

• Limited visibility: Snowfall, fog, or ice buildup reduces reaction time.

• Ramp and highway hazards: Ramps are high-risk areas for trucks in any weather.

Tip: Always assume nearby vehicles could lose control. Increase following distance and make all steering, braking, and shifting movements smooth and deliberate. Learn more from OSHA’s Safe Driving Guidelines.

Pre-Trip Vehicle Preparation

Proper pre-trip inspections are critical. The FMCSA emphasizes thorough checks to prevent winter accidents.

Essential winter vehicle checks for trucks:

• Battery and electrical systems: Cold weather lowers battery efficiency.

• Cooling system: Ensure winter-grade coolant and no leaks.

• Tires: Check tread depth and tire pressure; empty trailers provide less traction.

• Windshield, wipers, and defrosters: Replace old blades and use winter-rated washer fluid.

• Lubricants and hydraulics: Use winter-grade products to prevent steering issues.

• Emergency kit: Include flashlight, warm clothing, blankets, food, water, sand or traction mats, jumper cables, and a phone charger.

• Chains or traction devices: Know state-specific requirements for commercial vehicles. Reference State DOT Chain Laws.

On-Road Winter Driving Techniques

Move Slow and Smooth

All truck movements on slick roads should be slow and deliberate. Avoid:

• Hard braking

• Abrupt steering

• Rough downshifts

Smooth downshifting prevents skids, especially at higher RPMs. Avoid using cruise control in icy conditions.

Increase Following Distance

Give yourself more time to react by increasing the gap between your truck and other vehicles. The FMCSA Driving Tips recommend slowing down by one-third on wet roads and up to half on snow-packed roads.

High-Risk Areas

• Bridges and overpasses: Freeze faster than other surfaces.

• Ramps: Account for more accidents in winter conditions.

• Slow-moving snow removal equipment: Give plows extra room to avoid traction loss.

Handling Skids, Jackknifes, and Emergencies

Skidding

• Steer into the skid.

• Remove foot from the accelerator.

• Brake only if absolutely necessary.

Jackknifing (Tractor-Trailer)

• Recognize early: angles >15° reduce recovery chances.

• Avoid brakes; use gentle accelerator adjustments.

• Steer using the left mirror to realign tractor and trailer.

Frozen Brakes

• If brakes freeze, carefully back up or tap with a hammer (only if safe).

Practicing these techniques in controlled environments is recommended. For more guidance on winter driving safety for commercial truck drivers, see the FMCSA Hazardous Weather Driving Tips.

Monitoring Weather and Road Conditions

• Weather reports: Use state DOT lines, truck stop weather broadcasts, weather-band radios, or reliable Internet sources.

• Temperature awareness: Near 32°F, look for signs of ice: sliding vehicles, lack of road spray, and ice buildup on cars.

• CB antennas: Ice on antennas bouncing indicates frozen roads.

More on winter weather preparation: NHTSA Winter Driving Safety.

Emergency Preparedness for Truck Drivers

• Stuck in a blizzard: Stay in the cab and remain warm.

• Safe parking: Avoid inclines and unsafe shoulders.

• Chains or traction mats: Know installation before emergencies.

• Communication: Notify dispatch or manager of delays.

Mindset and Risk Management

Truck drivers must judge when road conditions are unsafe:

• Think ahead and know your limits.

• Arrive late rather than risk an accident.

• Maintain slower speeds and greater following distance.

• Avoid letting peer pressure influence decisions.

You are the captain of your truck. Only you can determine when it’s safe to continue or when to park until conditions improve.

Winter Driving Safety Checklist for Truck Drivers

Pre-Trip:

• Battery and electrical systems checked

• Tires and tread depth verified

• Lubricants and hydraulics winterized

• Windshield, wipers, and defroster functional

• Emergency kit stocked

• Chains or traction devices ready

On-Road:

• Slow, smooth movements

• Increased following distance

• Extra caution on bridges, ramps, overpasses

• Avoid cruise control on slick roads

Emergency:

• Skid: steer into it, controlled braking

• Jackknife: gentle accelerator, no brakes

• Stuck: stay in cab, safe location, communicate

Conclusion

Winter driving in the trucking industry requires preparation, awareness, and calm execution. Proper inspections, monitoring conditions, and safe driving behaviors reduce risks on icy roads.

For fleets, investing in winter driving training ensures drivers are equipped to make safe decisions in challenging conditions.

Sentry Road can help your organization with winter driving safety training, risk assessment, and other transportation safety programs. Contact us to learn more.

Every year, safety professionals across North America wait for the results of Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA)’s Operation Safe Driver Week (OSDW) with keen interest. These results serve as a critical barometer of driver behavior and reveal trends that both fleets and passenger-vehicle drivers can learn from. The 2025 campaign results were released in October of this year, and they tell a story worth unpacking. 

In this post, we’ll break down the 2025 data, highlight key take-aways, and provide practical insight for carriers, safety managers, and individual drivers. 

What is Operation Safe Driver Week?

Operation Safe Driver Week is a week-long, enforcement-based traffic-safety initiative led by the CVSA. From July 13 to 19, 2025, law-enforcement officers across the United States and Canada focused on unsafe driving behaviors, including speeding, distracted driving, seat-belt violations, and other high-risk categories. 

This collaboration among regulators, law enforcement, and motor-carrier stakeholders aims to reduce roadway fatalities and injuries by promoting safer driver behavior. National agencies like the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) support the program and use its findings to guide future policy.

Key Figures from the 2025 Report

Here are some of the headline numbers released by CVSA:

• A total of 8,739 vehicles were pulled over during the week. 

• Law-enforcement officers issued 2,504 tickets/citations and 3,575 warnings to commercial-motor-vehicle (CMV) and passenger-vehicle (PV) drivers.

• For CMVs: 3,230 warnings and 1,839 tickets/citations. For PVs: 345 warnings and 665 tickets/citations. 

These numbers illustrate the scope and scale of the enforcement effort—and highlight persistent problem-areas in driver behavior.

Major Violation Categories & Trends

The fine print of the report breaks down infractions by type. Below are the most prominent categories for 2025.

1. Reckless/Careless/Inattentive Driving

This year’s primary focus:

• 20 citations and 53 warnings for reckless/careless/inattentive driving.

• Of these, 12 citations and 47 warnings were to CMV drivers; 8 citations and 6 warnings to PV drivers. 
  Take-away: Even though the total count here was relatively low, this behavior poses significant risk and remains a key target for enforcement.

2. Speeding

By far the most common violation:

• 1,249 warnings and 917 citations for speeding.

• CMV drivers: 1,073 warnings and 491 citations; PV drivers: 176 warnings and 416 citations. 
  Speeding significantly reduces a driver’s ability to react to hazards and increases crash-severity. According to NHTSA statistics, speeding was a contributing factor in 29 % of U.S. traffic fatalities in 2023.
  Why this matters: Faster speeds make steering around obstacles harder, increase stopping distance, and raise impact force in a collision.

3. Failure to Wear a Seat Belt

Another top violation:

• 219 warnings and 264 tickets/citations overall.

• CMV drivers: 204 warnings and 248 citations. PV drivers: 15 warnings and 16 citations. 
  An estimated 9 % of U.S. drivers don’t wear seat belts; among CMV drivers, it’s about 14 %. 
  Important note: Seat-belt usage is the most effective single intervention to protect drivers and passengers.

4. Texting or Hand-held Device Use

Distracted driving remains a serious concern:

• 129 warnings and 116 tickets/citations for texting or handheld-device use (22 warnings and 37 citations for PV drivers; 107 warnings and 79 citations for CMV drivers). 
  Studies show that using a phone while driving affects visual, manual, and cognitive performance—all at once. 

5. Drugs/Alcohol & Other Violations

• 22 citations and 14 warnings for CMV drivers, and 5 citations and 4 warnings for PV drivers involving drugs/alcohol use. 

• Other violations included:

  • Failure to obey traffic-control devices: 574 warnings and 296 citations for PV/CMV combined.

  • Following too closely: 48 warnings and 24 citations. 
    Bottom line: High-risk behaviors beyond speed and distraction continue to demand attention.

Why These Findings Matter to Carriers and Drivers

Risk culture & operations

For fleets, these results underscore the need for proactive safety culture—one that doesn’t just rely on external enforcement, but monitors driver behavior internally through telematics, coaching, and ongoing training.

Regulatory exposure

Agencies like FMCSA use data from initiatives like OSDW to shape compliance priorities. For example, seat-belt violations and speeding remain enforcement red-flags. More citations mean higher risk of audits, fines, or even out-of-service orders.

Insurance and reputation

Excessive citations and warnings can lead to increased insurance premiums and reputational damage. Drivers representing companies are held to high standards—especially when sharing roads with large trucks.

Human-impact and liability

Beyond numbers, every warning or citation reflects a behavior that causes crashes, injuries, or fatalities. According to NHTSA data, tens of thousands of lives could be saved annually by better behavior. 

Practical Take-aways for Your Safety Program

1. Prioritize Speed-Management Programs

   • Tailor driver training modules around speeding risk—especially given its dominant share in offenses.

   • Incorporate real-time telematics or GPS alerts to curtail above-limit events.

2. Reinforce Seat-Belt Usage Every Day

   • Make seat-belt checks part of your pre-trip inspections and talk about it in toolbox meetings.

   • Celebrate 100 % belt-use days to reinforce positive behavior.

3. Attack Distracted-Driving Culture

   • Mandate hands-free systems and implement no-device-use policies.

   • Use coaching moments to reinforce the dangers of manual, visual, and cognitive distractions.

4. Link Coaching to Enforcement Data

   • Use enforcement outcomes like those in the OSDW as learning tools. Show your drivers the real numbers and ask: Could this have been me?

   • Build internal dashboards that track warnings and citations by violation category.

5. Make Human-Trafficking Awareness a Part of Driver Safety

   • OSDW found 1,681 awareness- and education-activities on human-trafficking during the week. 

   • Integrate training on what to watch for (e.g., unusual pickup/drop-off patterns, multiple occupants, separated commodities) and connect to resources like the U.S. Department of Transportation’s TIP 411 system.

6. Pre-Trip Checklist Enhancements

   • Add categories for seat-belt use, handheld-device policy acknowledgment, and speed-limit review.

   • Create a weekly enforcement-review meeting where you compare internal infractions vs. national OSDW data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does OSDW data reflect all roadways or just commercial vehicles?
A: While OSDW focuses on both commercial and passenger vehicles, the bulk of enforcement stops are in commercial-motor-vehicle operations. That means fleets need to pay attention—but the findings apply broadly to any driver sharing the road.

Q: My fleet already monitors speed and distraction. Does this still matter?
A: Yes. The data serves as an external benchmark and reminds us of the categories enforcement is aggressively targeting. It also helps you prioritize internal policy updates.

Q: Are these results unique to the U.S.?
A: No—while the majority of data is from U.S. jurisdictions, Canadian jurisdictions participate as well and contribute to the analysis. The risks and behaviors are shared across the continent.

The Big Picture

Unsafe driving behaviors such as speeding, seat-belt non-use, and distracted driving continue to dominate not just in enforcement campaigns—but in crash statistics, too. For example, speeding was a factor in 29 % of U.S. traffic fatalities in 2023. Initiatives like OSDW serve a dual purpose: they spotlight what remains problematic and push the industry toward safer operations.

For motor-carrier safety professionals, that means using these findings not only to react—but to proactively design safety programs around behavior change, real-time monitoring, and continuous reinforcement.

The 2025 Operation Safe Driver Week results provide a timely, data-rich look into how drivers at all levels performed—and where the biggest safety risks remain. If you’d like expert guidance and tailored solutions to apply these findings to your operations, detail your program with Sentry Road and we’ll help you translate insight into action.

Data and findings referenced in this article are sourced from the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s 2025 Operation Safe Driver Week Results

When people think of DOT compliance, the focus often falls on hours-of-service rules, driver qualifications, or drug and alcohol testing. But there’s another piece that is just as important—yet frequently overlooked: vehicle maintenance.

Neglecting this critical area doesn’t just risk citations and fines—it can also lead to serious safety hazards on the road.

Why Vehicle Maintenance Matters

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires all motor carriers to systematically inspect, repair, and maintain their vehicles (49 CFR §396.3). These rules are in place to ensure that vehicles are roadworthy and safe for both drivers and the public.

Failure to comply can result in:

• Costly penalties

• Out-of-service orders

• Higher CSA scores

• Increased risk of accidents

In short, staying on top of maintenance is not only a compliance issue—it’s a safety imperative.

OSHA and DOT: How They Overlap

While the DOT focuses on vehicles being safe for highway use, OSHA has requirements to protect workers during inspections, repairs, and operations in the workplace. Both agencies expect organizations to:

• Keep vehicles in safe operating condition

• Remove unsafe vehicles from service until repaired

• Train employees on safe inspection and maintenance practices (OSHA Motor Vehicle Safety)

This overlap means organizations must think of vehicle maintenance as part of both compliance and overall workplace safety.

Why Maintenance Gets Overlooked

Even the most experienced operators sometimes underestimate maintenance needs. Common reasons include:

• Cost pressures – Cutting corners to save money in the short term

• Scheduling challenges – Difficulty coordinating downtime for inspections and repairs

• Recordkeeping gaps – Missing or incomplete logs, which are required during audits

• Complacency – Assuming “if it’s running, it must be fine”

Unfortunately, the consequences of overlooking maintenance often cost far more than proactive upkeep.

What Strong Vehicle Maintenance Looks Like

A solid vehicle maintenance program should include:

1. Preventive Maintenance

Regularly scheduled service checks (tires, brakes, fluids, lights, etc.) prevent small problems from turning into major issues.

2. Daily Driver Inspections

DOT requires pre-trip and post-trip inspections to ensure safety-critical parts are functioning (FMCSA Vehicle Inspection Requirements).

3. Accurate Recordkeeping

FMCSA requires that inspection and maintenance records be retained for at least one year, plus six months after a vehicle leaves your control (FMCSA Guidance).

4. Integration with Workplace Safety

Maintenance work should also follow OSHA safety standards to protect technicians and operators (OSHA Vehicle Maintenance).

5. Adoption of Safety Technology

Using tools such as diagnostic software, collision warning systems, or telematics helps identify risks earlier and keeps fleets roadworthy.

The Bigger Picture: Compliance and Safety

Vehicle maintenance is about more than “passing an audit.” It ensures safer roads, fewer breakdowns, and better protection for employees and the communities they serve.

By making maintenance part of the culture—not just a checklist—organizations strengthen both compliance and long-term operational efficiency.

Final Thoughts

Vehicle maintenance is the backbone of DOT compliance. Skipping it can lead to violations, preventable accidents, and serious financial loss. Consistent inspections, proper records, and proactive repairs are what keep your fleet safe and compliant.

At Sentry Road, we can help your organization stay ahead of compliance requirements—whether it’s vehicle maintenance tracking or other key safety programs—so you can focus on moving forward with confidence.