Issue 128 – October 2022
RISK SOLUTIONS

New Driver Management Resources
By Senior Risk Manager, Alex MellorWhen employees and volunteers drive on agency business, it is a significant exposure shared by nearly every California JPIA member. Automobile accidents often result in liability, workers’ compensation, and property claims, which are costly to defend and resolve. Over the last six years, automobile accidents involving a member driver represent a total cost to the Authority of $30.2 million ($5 million per year on average). Despite the exposure, there are multiple actions members can take to manage this risk, including:
- Pre-employment review of applicant driver records
- Implementation of a Vehicle Use Policy
- Regular driver awareness training for employees and volunteers
- Enrollment in the CA DMV Employer Pull Notice (EPN) Program
- Accident investigation, debriefing, and retraining
The Authority has updated its Vehicle Use Policy template and Driver’s Report of Accident. Both are available in the resources section on the Authority’s website. Members are encouraged to update their internal documents consistent with these revised resources.
While the DMV has a mechanism to notify employers about violations by individuals enrolled in the EPN program, the system has limited functionality that makes it cumbersome and prevents members from obtaining timely and actionable driver record information.
The ability to effectively manage driving privileges – and to remove those privileges when necessary – is a critical element of every member’s driver risk management program. Authority staff researched various third-party vendor options to assist members in this regard. The main criteria for assessing potential business partners included the ability to continuously monitor driving records, experience working with public agencies, and ease of use. Ultimately, the Authority identified Embark Safety as its preferred business partner.
Features of Embark’s driver record monitoring platform include:
- 24/7/365 web-based access to DMV driver record information.
The system is accessible via computer, tablet, or smartphone. - Real-time motor vehicle record (MVR) notifications.
Notifications of accidents, violations, suspensions, and other record changes reported to the DMV are available daily. Color-coded notification system. - Green – no violations; the individual can drive on agency business.
- Yellow – violations exist; review to determine if the individual violates the agency’s acceptable driving record.
- Red – serious violations exist; the individual’s driving privileges should be immediately revoked.
- Violation decoding.
Violations referencing the CA Vehicle Code are automatically decoded and presented in plain English. - Driver management.
Monitored drivers can easily be added or removed as needed. - Pre-employment MVR checks.
Members should complete this short survey to sign up for the Embark driver monitoring service. An Embark Customer Success Manager will then assist with completing the sign-up process.
This program will be 100% funded by the Authority as a pooled cost. There are no direct, out-of-pocket expenses for members. Members are strongly encouraged to consult with their labor attorney to determine if the use of this program triggers an obligation to meet and confer with any affected bargaining units.
Please contact your regional risk manager if you have questions or want more information.
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