• The FMCSA may conduct its own more in-depth investigations into significant crashes.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) may conduct an in-depth investigation or special study of a particular accident, or choose to audit the motor carrier if the crash was significant. If a company is contacted by FMCSA officials following a crash, they are expected to give all reasonable assistance within the time specified in the request. All records and information pertaining to the accident must be made available (see 390.15(a)).

The FMCSA has a policy to investigate all “significant” crashes. A significant crash is a crash involving a CMV with multiple fatalities (three or more), an unusually high number of injuries, and/or which is likely to result in heightened interest. This includes any incident to which the National Transportation Safety Board sends investigators, any crash involving a Mexican commercial vehicle, or any crash resulting in extensive, national media coverage.