What is the purpose of the DOT’s Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) program?

The primary purpose of the DOT’s Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) program is to enhance road safety by evaluating and monitoring the performance of motor carriers, drivers, and vehicles. Through the CSA program, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) collects and analyzes data related to various safety metrics, such as crash records, inspections, and violations. This evaluation allows the identification of safety issues and patterns that can lead to interventions aimed at improving safety practices among carriers.

The CSA program's focus on safety performance means it plays a critical role in reducing the number of accidents and incidents related to commercial motor vehicles. By establishing clear performance standards and using data-driven methods to assess compliance, the program seeks to hold carriers accountable for their safety practices. This ultimately benefits not only the transportation industry but also the general public on the roads.

Other options, such as regulating traffic speed limits, issuing drivers' licenses, and managing vehicle registrations, fall outside the specific aims and functions of the CSA program, as these are handled by different aspects of transportation regulation and administrative processes.