Inspection, Defect Detection, and Accident Causation in Commercial Vehicles

A recently completed HSRI study, “Effects of Commercial Vehicle Systematic Preventive Maintenance on Specific Causes of Accidents”, concluded that an identifiable relationship exists between good commercial vehicle inspection and maintenance practices and a reduction in defect-related accidents. The better maintenance practices were usually associated with larger firms, and poorer maintenance practices more often were associated with smaller firms or individual owner operators. Also documented was the need for improved or modified inspection and maintenance requirements as stated in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.