🚨 Unsafe Driving: How This CSA BASIC Impacts Your Trucking Operation

When it comes to FMCSA’s CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scoring system, Unsafe Driving is one of the most visible and impactful BASICs (Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories). It reflects how safely commercial drivers are operating on the roads—and violations in this category can cost your business more than just points.

In this post, we’ll break down what the Unsafe Driving BASIC is, what kinds of violations it includes, how it affects your CSA score, and what you can do to stay compliant and safe.

🚛 What Is the Unsafe Driving BASIC?

The Unsafe Driving BASIC measures behaviors that show disregard for traffic laws or safe vehicle operation. These violations are often the most immediate indicators of risk, which is why this BASIC tends to draw quick scrutiny from the FMCSA.

Whether it's a speeding ticket or a citation for following too closely, these violations suggest that a driver could be putting themselves—and others—at risk.

⚠️ Examples of Unsafe Driving Violations

Unsafe Driving includes a wide range of offenses, such as:

  • Speeding (any amount over the limit)

  • Reckless or careless driving

  • Improper lane change

  • Following too closely

  • Failure to obey traffic signals or signage

  • Using a handheld mobile device while driving

  • Not wearing a seatbelt

  • Operating a CMV in a prohibited location (e.g., weight-restricted roads)

Each violation is assigned a severity weight (from 1 to 10) based on how risky it is. More serious infractions like reckless driving or handheld device use carry heavier weights.

📉 How Unsafe Driving Impacts Your CSA Score

Violations in this BASIC are used to calculate a percentile score from 0 to 100, where a lower score is better.

Here’s how it’s calculated:

  • Severity + time weighting: Recent violations count more than older ones.

  • Carrier size adjustment: More miles or inspections can affect how your score is weighted.

  • Peer comparison: You're scored relative to other carriers with a similar number of inspections.

If your Unsafe Driving BASIC exceeds the FMCSA’s intervention threshold (65% for general freight, 60% for hazmat, and 50% for passenger carriers), you’re more likely to be targeted for investigations or audits.

💸 The Business Cost of Unsafe Driving

Unsafe Driving violations don’t just hurt your CSA score—they also:

  • Trigger higher insurance premiums

  • Damage your company’s safety reputation

  • Lead to DOT audits or on-site inspections

  • Make it harder to win freight contracts or maintain broker trust

Plus, with more carriers being publicly rated, shippers and brokers are increasingly checking CSA scores before doing business.

✅ How to Improve Your Unsafe Driving BASIC

To stay below the threshold and protect your safety rating, consider these best practices:

1. Invest in Driver Training

Ongoing safety education helps drivers understand and avoid risky behaviors. Cover topics like speed management, safe following distances, and distracted driving.

2. Implement In-Cab Technology

Using telematics or dash cams can help monitor driver behavior and correct unsafe habits in real time.

3. Review Inspections Promptly

Make sure you're reviewing roadside inspection reports as soon as they’re available. If you believe a violation was issued in error, submit a challenge via the FMCSA’s DataQs system.

4. Reward Safe Driving

Encourage safe habits by offering incentives for clean inspection records and low-risk behavior.

🛡️ Stay Proactive, Stay Protected

The Unsafe Driving BASIC is often the first red flag for regulators—and it’s one that drivers and carriers can control with the right approach. Proactive safety management, ongoing training, and clear expectations go a long way in keeping your CSA score low and your business running strong.