Whether you’re behind the wheel or behind the desk, it is easy to get wrapped up in your daily workflow. When this happens, you’re extremely susceptible to something that might not seem to be a big deal at the time - letting routine maintenance and best practices slip through the cracks. It isn’t until you’re facing a DOT violation that you wish you’d been more careful about something that feels obvious in hindsight.
We want to help you be prepared to avoid these violations and continue write-up-free in 2023. To help you get started, we have compiled a list of the most common violations according to FMSCA data so you can stay on top of common mistakes that could cost you big time.
Moving violations
While many may think that a moving violation is limited to things like speeding or reckless driving, it actually includes a number of common mistakes. For example, the DOT Motor Carrier Safety Planner lists the following items as moving violations in addition to speeding and reckless driving:
- Following too closely
- Improper lane changes
- Improper turns
- Failure to yield to right of way
- Railroad grade crossing violations
- Failure to obey a traffic control device
The key to avoiding these violations is to ensure that drivers are properly coached to avoid unsafe behaviors. An easy way to instantly reduce the risk of these violations is to install dash cameras that utilize AI technology to recognize unsafe driving and provide an instant warning to drivers. Our AI dash cameras do just that, and users notice an 80% decrease in unsafe driving behavior within the first 30 days of implementation. With a statistic like that, you are bound to decrease the risk of being written up for the #1 most common trucking violation.
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Failing to use seat belt while operating CMV
It is easy to feel safe in a big rig and forget about buckling in, or perhaps after a long stretch of driving the belt just becomes uncomfortable. Regardless of the reason, #2 on our list is a basic rule that is important for drivers to stay compliant with.
Using a hand-held mobile telephone while operating a CMV
Few of us are ever without our phones, but keep in mind that the use of these devices while driving is a quick ticket to getting a violation from FMSCA. With Bluetooth technology becoming more and more accessible, utilizing hands-free options can be a great way to stay in touch while avoiding a violation.
Other Violations
Keep in mind that there are many additional violations to the ones listed below, but to start with, these are the rest of the top violations in the United States according to the FMCSA.
- Driver on duty and in possession of a narcotic drug / amphetamine
- Failing to use hazard warning flashers
- Operating a property-carrying commercial motor vehicle while all other occupants are not properly restrained
- Using or equipping a CMV with radar detector
- Driver having possession of alcohol while on duty, or operating, or in physical control of a CMV
- Unauthorized passenger on board CMV
To learn more about the top violations in 2022, check out our article here to see the list of top violations from last year. When 2023 data rolls in, we will be sure to do a follow-up article to share that information.
We hope you stay safe out there as you and your drivers continue into peak season! If you’d like to learn more about our AI dash camera systems as a tool to help you avoid common violations, contact our team today or check out this page for more information!