Is Relying on Annual MVR Checks Sufficient for Driver Safety?
Regular driving record checks are crucial for hiring and maintaining a secure driving team. Given the high volume of traffic tickets—over 125,000 issued daily—driving records are continually changing. An annual check provides only a snapshot of an employee’s driving history at specific intervals, which means relying exclusively on these yearly reviews might result in missing significant information about your drivers.
What Annual Checks Might Miss
- New Violations: Annual reviews might not capture new offenses that occur between checks, leading to gaps in monitoring driver behavior. This can allow drivers with recent violations to avoid detection and continue driving without facing necessary consequences or corrective actions.
- Temporary License Status Changes: MVRs generally indicate whether a driver’s license is valid or has been suspended or revoked. However, they might not reflect temporary changes in license status due to issues unrelated to driving, such as failure to pay fines or child support.
- Additional Incidents and Violations: Not all driving incidents or violations are reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or included in MVRs. To gain a more comprehensive understanding of a driver’s history, supplementary background checks are needed. Programs like the Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) and the Commercial Driver’s License Information System (CDLIS) offer extra insights into infractions, accident histories, and various licenses held by commercial drivers.
The Need for Continuous MVR Monitoring
Relying solely on annual checks may create a false sense of security, potentially exposing employers to risks such as negligence and severe legal repercussions. Employees might engage in risky behavior, assuming that they can correct their actions before the next annual review.
To bridge the gaps left by annual MVR checks, continuous monitoring is essential. This approach provides frequent updates on driving records, helps ensure compliance, and allows for the early identification and management of risky driving behavior.
Implementing continuous MVR monitoring is a proactive risk management strategy that reduces the likelihood of accidents, legal issues, and damage to your organization’s reputation.
