Motor vehicles

Motor vehicle operator assessment

Company drivers operating vehicles on behalf of their employer expose the company to injuries, property damage, and liability suits.

It is estimated that 40% of auto accidents are work-related. Research performed by the National Safety Council (NSC) has found that the leading cause of injury and death in the workplace remains motor vehicle collisions, with an average lost-time workers’ compensation claim costing $78,293.

Establishing a program that reviews the Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) of applicants and employees to qualify them as drivers is one of the most effective ways to manage this risk. Proper driver selection and monitoring also comes with the added benefit of lowering insurance costs, improving productivity, and protecting your company’s reputation. Prior to obtaining a MVR, ensure that you are in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), and any other state or federal laws that may apply.

A best practice is to conduct MVR reviews pre-hire, after an accident or a complaint is received, and at least annually on all approved drivers. Additionally, your fleet safety program should clearly state what actions will be taken based on the review’s findings. Once the review is complete, the MVR and the findings should be placed in the employee’s file.

The interactive tool below is an example of a grading system your company may use to determine the risk factor of a driver. The points assigned to the categories range from 1-10 depending on the severity of the violation. The result is not a guarantee of any driver’s performance. You may prefer to create your own MVR grading system and assign point values that align with your comfort level to meet your company’s needs.