Believe it or not, getting a job to deliver pizzas is difficult without a clean driving record. Imagine how difficult it is to get a job driving an 80,000 truck or charter bus filled with passengers.
As a commercial driver, having a clean driving record is essential to your career and financial stability. A clean driving record means that you have no traffic violations, accidents, or other incidents on your driving record, which can lead to various benefits. This blog post will explore the advantages of having a clean driving record and how to maintain one.
Lower Insurance Premiums
One of the most significant benefits of having a clean driving record is lower insurance premiums. Insurance companies use a driver's record to measure risk and determine premiums based on the likelihood of accidents or claims. Drivers with clean records are viewed as a lower risk who are eligible for lower insurance rates.
Better Pay & Benefits from Larger Trucking Fleets
Trucking fleets must consider a driver's record when making hiring decisions. Drivers with clean records are more desirable to employers and can often negotiate better pay, benefits, and working conditions. A clean record demonstrates to employers that you are a safe and responsible driver, a significant fleet or company asset.
A Clean Driving Record or Living with the Consequences of Your Past
A poor driving record can have long-lasting consequences for commercial drivers. Traffic violations, accidents, and other incidents can lead to higher insurance premiums, loss of employment opportunities, and even disqualification from driving. Additionally, drivers with poor records may face increased scrutiny from law enforcement and regulatory agencies, impacting their ability to work in the transportation industry.
How to Keep a Clean Driving Record
Maintaining a clean driving record requires discipline and awareness of potential risks. Here are some tips for keeping a clean record:
- Observe traffic laws and regulations: Commercial drivers must follow all traffic laws and regulations to avoid violations and accidents. These include following speed limits, obeying traffic signals and signs, wearing seatbelts, and using only hands-free communication devices.
- Avoid distractions: One of the leading causes of accidents and violations for commercial drivers. Avoid using cell phones, eating, drinking, and other activities that take your attention away from the road.
- Comply with DOT FMCA Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations: Whether you agree with these rules or not, sticking to the rules will typically mean a clean driving record.
- Stay alert and well-rested: Fatigue and drowsiness are common issues among commercial drivers and can impair driving ability. Be sure to get enough rest and take breaks as needed to stay alert and focused.
- Maintain your vehicle: Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent mechanical issues leading to accidents or violations.
Consult with a CA Traffic Attorney to Dispute Traffic Tickets and At-Fault Accident Determinations
Sometimes, even safe and responsible commercial drivers receive traffic tickets or are involved in accidents that are not their fault. In these cases, consulting with a CA traffic attorney to dispute the ticket or challenge an at-fault accident determination is essential.
Any degree of responsibility for an accident by commercial drivers, determined by the investigator, leads to a DMV NOTS assessment of 1.5 negligent operator points, 50% more than the four-wheeled Prius that cut you off.
An experienced traffic attorney can review the evidence, build a strong case, and represent you in court, which can help you maintain a clean driving record and avoid the consequences of a traffic violation or accident.
Consult Bigger & Harman, APC, to Help Maintain Your Clean Driving Record as a Commercial Driver in Bakersfield, CA
We are Bigger & Harman, APC, call us at (661) 349-9300, and we will do our best to help you maintain a clean driving record and avoid the consequences of a traffic violation or accident. Also, use our contact form or email us a picture of your ticket and a summary of events to attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com. Don’t go it alone. We can help.
Se habla Español (661) 349-9755.
References:
The DMV Portal CA Commercial Driver Handbook.
The FMCSA CFR 49 Part 383.51, Driver Disqualifications.