FMCSA UNVEILS NEW DRIVER PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRIVER SCREENING PROGRAM
Posted on Mon, Oct 19, 2009
The FMCSA announced that it will launch a new Driver Pre-Employment Screening Program, expected to begin in December, that allows motor carriers to better determine potential safety risks by accessing driver inspection and crash records as part of the hiring process.
The Driver Pre-Employment Screening Program will be populated by FMCSA's Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS), which is comprised of driver performance data including roadside inspection and compliance review results, enforcement data, state-reported crashes, and motor carrier census data. Commercial driver safety records are currently available to federal and state law enforcement personnel, and accessible to drivers through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). When the new program becomes effective, driver safety records will be available to motor carriers in any state or jurisdiction, but drivers must give written consent before records can be released.
FMCSA contends that by using driver safety information during pre-employment screening, motor carriers will be able to better assess prospective drivers, and drivers will have additional opportunities to verify the data in their driving history and correct any discrepancies. "Safety is our number one priority at the Department of Transportation," Secretary Ray LaHood said. "This new initiative will help trucking companies ensure the safest drivers are behind the wheel of commercial trucks and buses. Making this information more transparent will make our roads and highways safer for everyone."
The new program goes farther in terms of investigating a driver's history at the time of employment, making the background check process more rigorous and safer for all.