Accident investigation can help in prevention

April 12, 2006
One important aspect of an accident investigation lies in the information being used to prevent further accidents. That was the message from Turner Williams of Burr and Forman LLP and Whitney Morgan of Motor Carrier Safety Consulting Inc at the National Tank Truck Carriers Safety Seminar April 4-6.

One important aspect of an accident investigation lies in the information being used to prevent further accidents.

That was the message from Turner Williams of Burr and Forman LLP and Whitney Morgan of Motor Carrier Safety Consulting Inc at the National Tank Truck Carriers Safety Seminar April 4-6.

"A purpose of the investigation is to prevent recurrence by determining the causes," said Morgan. "The investigation also protects against unwarranted or excessive financial liability and provides adequate basis for driver discipline and/or remedial training."

Williams pointed out that policies and procedures for responding to accidents should be consistent with applicable federal and/or state regulations. "Know the rules and regulations and be compliant," he said.