Impact of federal compliance reviews of trucking companies in reducing highway truck crashes

Abstract

Background The compliance review (CR) is a federal program monitoring motor carrier safety performance and regulatory compliance. This study sought to assess the impact of CRs on reviewed trucking companies in reducing truck crashes. Methods Data was from the Motor Carrier Management Information System. Study subjects were trucking companies established during 1990–1995, had at least one truck, and remained active until April 2004. Truck crash data of these companies was examined from 1996 to 2003. The crash rates in 2003 and annual percentage changes in number of crashes were computed. Analyses were stratified by company size, organization, operation classification, and safety rating. Results Companies that received CRs had a higher crash rate than never-reviewed companies. Reviewed companies experienced a 39–15% reduction in number of crashes in the year the CR was performed. The reduction in crashes was observed in all reviewed companies regardless of company size, operation classification, type of organization, or safety rating. The reduction in crashes was sustained for at least 7 years after CRs. Discussion The study results were controlled for the year in which CRs were performed, crash trend, and CR selection bias. However, further studies, especially a randomized prospective longitudinal study, are needed to overcome the limitations that are associated with an observation study.