Effective Use of Commercially Available Onboard Safety Monitoring Technologies: Guidance for Commercial Motor Vehicle Carriers

Studies show that most commercial motor vehicle (CMV) crashes involve risky driving behaviors or errors on the part of the driver and thus are preventable. One method to reduce risky driving behaviors is through the use of onboard safety monitoring (OSM) technologies. OSM devices incorporate in-vehicle recording technology that can continuously measure and record the driver’s performance. However, the implementation of OSM systems involves more than installing the technology in vehicles. It requires detailed planning and involvement from all levels within a fleet. Furthermore, criticism and resistance can be expected when implementing an OSM device. The purpose of this project is to provide a manual for use by fleet management personnel prior to implementing an OSM technology (or for carriers that have implemented an OSM device but who are having problems achieving results). This manual is a practical, easy-to-understand reference guide for implementing an OSM program. It includes an overview of safety culture, a step-by-step guide for implementing a behavior-based safety (BBS) program in conjunction with an OSM device, and provides a list of commercially available OSM systems.