In the United States alone there are over 5500 18-wheeler accidents every year of which almost 200 result in fatalities. Improved driver screening methods are important for public safety and overall benefit of the trucking industry. With the age old case of prevention is better then cure a trucking organization now look into new ways to increase safety. A lot of new safety features are kept into trucks like tracking systems to ensure drivers are getting ample amount of rest and obeying speed zones. In addition the truck is equipped with better safety features that protect drivers’ lives in an unfortunate event of a crash. However the main factor that results in the majority of crashes is caused by human error. Hence A major concern for trucking companies lies in the competence and ability of their truck drivers.

Due to this trucking organizations use a considerable amount of research to design screening methods for hiring capable drivers. The most common methods being used are physical checkups and accident history records. However to further aid the effectiveness of their hiring methods many companies have started using behavioral tests as well.

Safety research data showed strong links between a driver’s behavioral style and their general attitude to the job with the probability of them being in a major accident. This article looks specifically at the DISC behavioral assessment system; D-Dominant, I-Influencing, S-Steadiness, C-Cautious or Compliant to Standards.

Each factor is measured on a scale of 1 to 100 based on their strengths, with 1 being the weakest and 100 being the strongest. (D)ominant factor measures how someone tends to handle challenges or problems they face. The (I)nfluencing factor looks at the degree to how the candidate is influenced and basis of their interactions with other people. The (S)teadiness factor looks at how and the speed in which they react to things in their environment. Finally the (C)autious factor measures to the degree of which a candidate follows general rules and regulations.

Although all factors were proven to effect the probability of a driver being in a major accident, none were stronger then the S factor. Candidates that scored highly in this (i.e. above 50) had tendencies that showed that they genuinely cared about serving the needs of the people around them. They also proved to be more stable, careful, reliable and patient. All these being important characteristics of a safe truck driver. Those that scored lower on the S factor tended to become restless and careless after long periods of time, resulting in them taking unnecessary risks leading to a higher probability of being in an accident.

The C Factor also significantly affected a driver's accident risk. With the obvious reason that a candidate that scored high on the test was more likely to comply with road rules and practice caution on the road. Low scorers engaged more in speeding activities and illegal or erratic maneuvering on the roads.

With all things said truck companies that hire drivers that have high S and C scores are much better off. Monetary losses from an accident can come through worker compensations claims, outside compensation claims, loss of vehicle, loss of freight, increased insurance premiums, employee turnover and potential lawsuits. Every accident also has the potential to do a company irreparable damage to their reputation, resources and most importantly the loss of innocent life.