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Does driver training have the biggest impact on CSA performance?

The Compliance Safety Accountability program created a boom for technology providers. Many companies began marketing new CSA solutions before the program went live in December 2010 and have continued since. Some technology can improve CSA scores right out of the box. There is no question electronic logs will eliminate the most frequent violations in the Fatigued Driving BASIC, “driver log form and manner” and “driver record of duty status not current.”

But the correlation between technology and CSA scores always is not so direct. Technology you use to train drivers may include a range of options. Computer-based training is the easiest to administer since you can assign it to drivers on demand and track their results automatically.

Common thread: Driver training correlates with CSA performance.

Statistical proof: For all BASICs, Pro-Tread users scored 24 percent better than average.

Easy improvement: A good pretrip inspection can eliminate most CSA violations.

Carriers may not have the data to attribute computer-based training to a reduction in accidents, inspections, violations and ultimately their CSA scores. But many would concede it could be a contributing factor.

Vancouver, Wash.-based Instructional Technologies Inc. recently conducted a study to find a correlation between CSA scores and computer-based training. ITI creates Pro-Tread online training lessons primarily for the types of violations measured in CSA’s Unsafe Driving BASIC — speeding, following too close, improper passing and turning, etc. — that are the most direct cause of accidents.

For its study, ITI took a snapshot of the average CSA scores for 200 of its clients. It compared this to the industry averages for each BASIC. It also segregated its client base into three groups based on the number of lessons completed per driver per year. The CSA scores of each group were compared to the industry averages for each BASIC.

For the Unsafe Driving BASIC, the industry average was 50.4 on a scale of 100. Carriers with above-average scores are deemed the most at-risk through the eyes of law enforcement as well as shippers. ITI’s clients scored about 20 points lower than the industry average. For all BASICs, its clients scored 24 points lower on average.

Computer-based training may reduce accidents, inspections and violations – and ultimately CSA scores.

In its study, ITI did not distinguish how clients are using Pro-Tread training. Some use it only for remediation after a critical event occurs. Others assign modules to drivers on a scheduled basis regardless of circumstance. Many clients use it for both.