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| Volume 18, Issue 2 | Spring 2006 |
Cami Gilbertson Feature Trainer at DTA Mid-Year Session
Cami understood that public transportation happens in a number of different ways, in a number of different sized vehicles. Mini-vans, regular sized vans, accessible buses of various sizes, all can have different regulations in differing geographical and ownership situations. Careful attention to definitions in each section of the regulation handbook is necessary. It is recommended that driver qualification files be separate from each driver's personnel file. Color coding the files would make it easier. Keep only what's required in the driver qualification files that will be shown to a DOT inspector, and she suggested using green coded folders for sharing (green for "go," which means "shareable"). Blue files could be for personnel information, and red files could hold confidential documents such as the physician's long form, or drug and alcohol test data, etc. Driver application forms should include enough components so that the employer can look for gaps in work history or residences. Traffic convictions and accident records would also be vital information. Regulation Part 391.15 specifically addresses disqualification of drivers.
Cami gave some suggestions about handling the media. Although all of us hope to never encounter traffic accidents, we need to be prepared. Keep responses brief and do not volunteer any information, just answer the question of the law enforcement officials. Keep your staff educated about their responses, and make sure they understand what authority they possess. Cami suggests not using "No comment." Lastly, Cami spoke about a Compliance Review and what's involved in the process. It was very early in her career when she experienced her first compliance violation, and she shared what she learned from it. If we all take her guidance to heart, and make sure our record-keeping and documentation is clear and complete, we will more likely have a positive experience.
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In this issue...
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Cami Gilbertson from Compliance & Safety Services, Inc. was the feature trainer at DTA's mid-year session. The title of Cami's presentation was What U Need to Know. She has more than 10 years of experience in the safety transportation industry. Cami has helped many companies with effectiveness of their safety policies and improving compliance with regulations. She provided each attending entity with a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation Handbook (with interpretations); a valuable book filled with information about public transit regulations. Although it is daunting at first glance, once Cami pointed out the sections that address our service provision, it was much easier to follow and understand. Cami noted that formerly a transit provider was able to state they were doing their best and didn't know the regulations and this was okay. With the current compliance issues, it is every operator's responsibility to know the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations relevant to their operations.
Regarding accidents, Cami says preparation is key. It is important to have an accident policy/plan in place, conduct driver training continually, and review the policy frequently. Identify the procedures to follow immediately after an accident, so there is no question about what to do next. It is difficult to remain calm after an accident, please have a company policy and know what that policy says.