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Jan 1, 2003 12:00 PM

The Department of Transportation inspector general (IG) is initiating an audit of the safety status measurement system (SafeStat) administered by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), according to the IG's office.

This audit's objective is to determine whether the SafeStat reliably identifies high-risk carriers, according to the IG's office. It will determine if the SafeStat model is valid; whether the scores calculated are consistent with the model's design; whether the data SafeStat uses are complete, consistent, accurate, and timely; and if the data quality control systems are adequate to ensure information quality for intended uses.

The audit was initiated at the request of Rep Thomas E Petri, chairman of the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

SafeStat is an automated analysis system designed to measure the relative safety fitness of motor carriers based on performance data. The system uses a scoring system that measures the relative safety status of motor carriers in four areas: crashes, drivers, vehicles, and safety management.

Scores are calculated for carriers with sufficient safety data related to each area. Currently, the scores are updated every six months and are available to the public on a web site. Additional uses of SafeStat data include carrier safety screening and monitoring by other federal agencies that employ motor carriers, and by other companies making business decisions in which the safety status of a carrier is a factor; for example shippers, insurers, and lessors.