What are the FMCSA BASICs?

The FMCSA BASICs, or Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories, are a set of seven safety metrics established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to assess and enhance fleet safety. These categories help identify and address safety risks in commercial trucking, promoting safer driving practices and reducing accidents. Each BASIC measures a specific area of fleet and driver performance, and carriers are scored based on violations in these categories.

The seven FMCSA BASICs include:

1. 1. 1. 1. Unsafe Driving – Focuses on dangerous driving behaviors like speeding or reckless driving.
         2. Crash Indicator – Tracks history of crashes to predict future accident risks.
         3. Hours-of-Service (HOS) Compliance – Monitors adherence to HOS regulations to prevent driver fatigue.
         4. Vehicle Maintenance – Ensures regular upkeep and repairs to avoid on-road breakdowns.
         5. Controlled Substances and Alcohol – Addresses alcohol or drug use among drivers.
         6. Hazardous Materials Compliance – Ensures safe handling of hazardous materials for carriers transporting such loads.
         7. Driver Fitness – Evaluates driver qualifications, including licenses and health standards.