Inside Coverage Summer 2004 Issue
A publication of Great West Casualty Company
Copyright 2004, All Rights Reserved

Saluting Truckers
The backbone of the American economy is the transportation industry.  As leaders in the industry, professional truck drivers will again be honored this year during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, August 22-28.  This event brings together the many different elements of the trucking industry to recognize the role professional truck drivers play in America’s success.

FMCSA Launches DataQ Filing System
Have you reviewed your SafeStat scores lately? In response to concerns raised by the Inspector General’s report criticizing data accuracy in the SafeStat system, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has created DataQs, an electronic system for filing concerns about data released to the public. Through this system, motor carriers may submit data concerns, challenges, and corrections to data collected and reported to FMCSA. These submissions will be automatically forwarded to the appropriate office for resolution and will allow filers to monitor the status of each filing.

Information gathered by the FMCSA includes data reported to it through the requirements of federal and state programs. Release of the data is done in the interest of information exchange and to satisfy the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act.  Challenges to data provided by state agencies must be resolved by the appropriate state agency. FMCSA will consider decisions made by state agencies final.  FMCSA cannot change state records without state consent.

Filers can use their password from filing their MCS-150 online to access the DataQ filing system. New filers can create a user ID and password. Log on to dataqs.fmcsa.dot.gov for more information, or contact your agent.

Drug & Alcohol Testing Check Sheet
FMCSA regulations require alcohol and drug testing of drivers who are required to have a CDL. The regulations include procedures for urine drug testing and breath alcohol testing. A driver must be tested after an accident that resulted in a fatality regardless of fault. Accidents that include bodily injury or a vehicle that needs to be towed require a driver to be tested only if that driver is issued a citation.

Alcohol tests must be taken within two to eight hours after the accident. Drug tests are taken within 32 hours of the accident. Unless there are extenuating circumstances, a driver must be available for testing, or it might be assumed the driver has refused testing. A refusal is considered the same as a positive test.

Below is a check sheet you can use to help determine if alcohol and drug testing should be conducted.

Claims Reporting Critical
The key to lower loss costs and better claims management starts with close cooperation between Great West and our customers. We strive to provide our customers with the best claims service possible. This includes prompt investigation, accurate evaluation, and ethical resolution, while delivering the highest levels of customer service. When claims are reported late, our customers lose the advantage of utilizing a great claims team. All participants in the accident reporting process must be aggressive in addressing all areas of an accident, no matter how large or small. The reporting process begins with the driver. How he or she responds can have a huge impact on the outcome of any claim.

Since most accident scenes are filled with confusion, chaos, high emotions, and irate motorists, it is imperative that drivers take the necessary steps to accurately and safely report an accident.

Effective training in the above three areas may help a driver remember critical details in the often traumatic
aftermath of an accident. These firsthand details could make a big difference at a trial. Before drivers set foot in a truck, make sure they know and understand your company’s procedures for accident reporting.

The Great West claims number, 800-228-8040, is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When you call, you will not get an answering machine. Instead, you will speak directly with one of our claims processors. Our claims staff wants to help keep your operation running as smoothly as possible. Your help, however, is needed to ensure that drivers are competent on accident reporting procedures. We want to make sure that if you end up in court, you have done everything possible to avoid an unpleasant and costly verdict.

To assist you in training and educating your drivers, Great West has developed an audio and video program on proper accident reporting, which is included in their lending library. These are available by contacting your regional Great West safety services department.

* All policy terms, conditions, definitions, and exclusions apply to this coverage. Please see your agent for exact provisions.