DOT Accident Investigation & Reporting 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under 49 CFR Part 390, a DOT recordable accident must be reported when a fatality occurs. Which additional condition ALSO triggers a recordable accident classification?
- A vehicle sustains minor cosmetic damage only
- A body part requires medical attention beyond first aid at the scene (Correct answer)
- A driver receives a verbal warning from law enforcement
- Cargo spills onto the shoulder without blocking traffic
Correct answer: A body part requires medical attention beyond first aid at the scene
A DOT recordable accident includes any crash involving a fatality, injury requiring medical treatment beyond first aid, or a disabling vehicle.
Question 2: When securing and preserving an accident scene, which action should an inspector prioritize FIRST upon arrival?
- Photograph skid marks and debris fields
- Ensure scene safety and prevent secondary accidents (Correct answer)
- Interview the at-fault driver immediately
- Complete the accident report form
Correct answer: Ensure scene safety and prevent secondary accidents
Scene safety is always the first priority to protect responders, victims, and the public from secondary incidents.
Question 3: Which federal regulation requires motor carriers to maintain an accident register for a minimum of three years?
- 49 CFR 390.15 (Correct answer)
- 49 CFR 395.8
- 49 CFR 396.3
- 49 CFR 383.51
Correct answer: 49 CFR 390.15
49 CFR 390.15 mandates that carriers keep an accident register with required data for at least three years.
Question 4: A commercial vehicle rolls over but there are no injuries and the vehicle is still drivable. How should this event be classified under DOT definitions?
- Non-recordable — no injuries occurred
- Recordable if towing was required to remove the vehicle (Correct answer)
- Automatically recordable due to the rollover event itself
- Recordable only if cargo was spilled on the roadway
Correct answer: Recordable if towing was required to remove the vehicle
Under 49 CFR 390.5, a recordable accident includes incidents where a vehicle required towing from the scene, regardless of injury.
Question 5: During an accident investigation, an inspector notices the truck's electronic logging device (ELD) may contain relevant data. What is the proper action regarding ELD data?
- Request the carrier to reset the ELD to avoid confusion
- Preserve and secure ELD data as potential evidence (Correct answer)
- Ignore ELD data since it only records hours of service
- Allow the driver to delete personal entries before review
Correct answer: Preserve and secure ELD data as potential evidence
ELD data must be preserved as evidence because it documents hours of service, speed, and other driving data relevant to the investigation.
Question 6: Which piece of information is NOT required to be included in a motor carrier's accident register under 49 CFR 390.15?
- Date of accident
- City or town where the accident occurred
- Driver's personal cell phone number (Correct answer)
- Number of injuries
Correct answer: Driver's personal cell phone number
The accident register must include date, location, number of injuries/fatalities, and hazmat involvement, but not the driver's personal contact details.
Question 7: A DOT inspector is investigating an accident involving a hazardous materials shipment that caused a spill. Which additional agency must typically be notified beyond DOT?
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (Correct answer)
- Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
- Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Correct answer: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Hazmat spills that affect the environment require notification to the EPA in addition to DOT reporting requirements.
DOT Accident Investigation & Reporting 2
Under 49 CFR Part 390, a DOT recordable accident must be reported when a fatality occurs.
Which additional condition ALSO triggers a recordable accident classification?