CSA: UNSAFE DRIVING BASIC

Unsafe driving consists of such violations as speeding, improper lane changes, following too closely, running red lights, lane restriction violations, reckless driving and improper driving in construction zones. Seat belt violations and radar detector violations are also included under the Unsafe Driving BASIC. The overwhelming majority of these are issued to Mercer drivers as warnings, rather than citations, which cannot be disputed in court. Texting, failure to use turn signals, changing lanes before signalling, and drifting over onto the shoulder are other examples of unsafe driving. Having an unauthorized passenger, using a hand-held cell phone and disregarding traffic control signs are also Unsafe Driving violations.

CSA points assessed for these violations run between three and thirty. They get charged each month to Mercer’s Unsafe Driving BASIC score. As a Hazmat carrier, Mercer is required to stay under the threshold of 60 in the Unsafe Driving BASIC. When we go above that number, our units are subjected to more frequent inspections by law enforcement.

The old excuses are not valid in the CSA environment. Things like, “I was running with traffic”, or “I had my cruise set”, or “It was just a warning” will not cut it. In CSA, the only thing that works is to stay under the posted speed limit at all times, period. Remember, some states write speeding warnings for as little as 3 mph over. They write it and you are stuck with it.

CSA scoring is based upon any “defect” an officer “observes.” If he or she sees it, they write it and both the driver and Mercer bear the consequences. It is absolutely imperative that all drivers understand this and fully comply with all traffic regulations at all times. Drivers who fail to understand this will simply not survive in the world of CSA. Everything counts. Drive safely…..and carefully.