Driver Safety Tips, News & Technology: SambaSafety Blog

What Is MVR Monitoring?

Written by SambaSafety | Aug 1, 2024 3:44:47 PM

MVR monitoring offers companies continuous updates on any changes to their drivers’ motor vehicle records (MVRs). This includes license suspensions, revocations and expirations, traffic violations, crashes and other critical driver history that shape their risk profiles. An MVR monitoring service replaces the need to manually pull and review MVRs, enabling risk and safety professionals to ensure drivers follow the law and operate within their company’s driver safety policy.  

Read on to discover the important role MVR monitoring plays in elevating driver risk management.  

In This Blog:

The Importance of MVR Monitoring
The Challenges of Manual MVR Reviews
The Solution: A Continuous MVR Monitoring Program
The Benefits of MVR Monitoring Software 
Discover How to Elevate Your Fleet Safety Program 

The Importance of MVR Monitoring 

Given the rise in distracted and impaired driving, speeding and other reckless behaviors, having ongoing access to up-to-date MVR data is vital. Drivers with suspended licenses and poor driving histories pose significant risks to both their employers and the general public: 

  • Around 3 to 5% of drivers on the road alone have suspended licenses. These drivers are involved in 19% of all U.S. driving fatalities.  
  • Automotive crashes are now the leading cause of workplace injury and death, accounting for 22% of all workplace fatalities. 
  • An analysis of over 40 million MVRs from 2020 to 2023 found that more than 11.7 million unique licenses had at least one recorded violation. 

Despite the critical role they play in mitigating this risk, MVRs can be challenging to review, especially for those who rely on manual processes. 

The Challenges of Manual MVR Reviews 

Manually reviewing MVRs is time-consuming and labor-intensive, requiring substantial manpower to pull, review and compare records. Additionally, violation codes vary from state to state, adding another layer of complexity. Manual, periodic review processes create a “visibility gap,” where changes in a driver’s status or new violations can go unnoticed until the next scheduled check. This puts both the company and the driver at risk if another incident occurs.  

Download Now | Continuous Monitoring 101: Maintaining a 360-Degree View of Driver Risk 

The Solution: A Continuous MVR Monitoring Program 

To address these challenges, proactive companies are turning to MVR monitoring programs. But what is an MVR monitoring program, and how does it work? 

An MVR monitoring program involves continuous tracking of drivers' MVRs after they are hired to promptly identify critical changes. Instead of relying on annual MVR reviews and periodic checks, which are likely to miss recent violations or changes in license status, an MVR monitoring program ensures that any new activity is reported and addressed ASAP, as shown in the graphic above. 

The Benefits of MVR Monitoring Software 

Implementing MVR monitoring software is a game-changer for companies that rely on safe driving practices. Here are some key benefits: 

Continuous Updates 

MVR monitoring software continuously alerts companies about any new violations, license status updates and other critical changes that occur on and off the clock. This allows for swift intervention and reduces the risk of unqualified drivers operating vehicles. 

Efficiency 

Automating the MVR review process saves time and reduces the administrative burden on your staff. MVR monitoring software streamlines the process of collecting and analyzing MVRs – normalizing state-to-state violation data. This elevates the efficiency of driver risk assessment and removes the likelihood of human error. 

Compliance 

For businesses regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), MVR monitoring software ensures compliance with mandatory pre-employment and annual MVR checks. It also helps meet additional internal safety standards and policies by providing a more comprehensive view of a driver’s history. 

Risk Reduction 

By maintaining a proactive approach to monitoring driver behavior, companies can reduce the likelihood of crashes and other incidents that could harm their employees, reputation and bottom line. Early identification of risky behavior allows for targeted fleet training and corrective actions before a crash occurs. 

Discover How to Elevate Your Fleet Safety Program 

Incorporating an MVR monitoring program into your company's safety practices is not just about compliance; it's about creating a safer environment for the communities your business serves. Continuous MVR monitoring closes the “visibility gap” left by periodic, manual reviews, providing timely alerts and enabling swift action to mitigate risks. By leveraging MVR monitoring software, companies can ensure their drivers remain qualified, compliant and safe. 

To learn more about the critical role continuous driver monitoring plays in your fleet safety program, download our free guide, Continuous Monitoring 101: Maintaining a 360-Degree View of Driver Risk 

You may also like: