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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Guang X. Chen, MD, Division of Safety Research, CDC/NIOSH, 1095 Willowdale Road, MS/H1811, Morgantown, WV 26505, (304) 285-5995, gchen@cdc.gov

Background: Compliance reviews (CRs) are a federal safety program monitoring motor carrier safety performance in the United States. This study seeks to assess the impact of CRs specifically on trucking companies in reducing highway truck crashes. Methods: Data was from the Motor Carrier Management Information System. Study subjects were trucking companies established from 1990 to1995 and remained active until April 2004. Of these, companies received CRs during the 1996-2003 time period served as intervention companies and companies never received CRs served as reference companies. The intervention companies were grouped according to the year in which they received CRs. There are eight annual reviewed groups that received CRs from 1996 to 2003. Each group was treated as a cohort. Truck crash data of these companies were examined from 1996 to 2003. Results: In general, trucking companies that received CRs had a higher crash rate than companies that did not. Companies that received CRs experienced an average of 27% reduction in number of truck crashes in the year of receiving CRs. A reduction was observed in all subgroups of companies. Small, individual/partner, and private companies had a greater reduction compared to their opponents; however, the benefit of CRs had a better sustainability in large, cooperation, and for-hire companies. Discussion: This study suggests CRs has an impact soon after the completion and a sustainable positive impact in reducing truck crashes. The positive impact can be observed in all reviewed companies regardless of type and quality of their safety programs.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Recognize the importance of the federal compliance reviews of motor carriers in improving US highway safety.
• List risk factors that are associated with safety performance in a motor carrier.
• Articulate the procedures for assessing the effectiveness of the federal compliance reviews of motor carriers and other safety programs that are used in the transportation sector.
• Identify further needs in the evaluation of the federal compliance reviews of motor carriers and other safety programs used in the transportation sector.

Keywords: Injury Prevention, Motor Vehicles

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered