Crash Preventability Determination/DATA Q challenge

Description

This course provides fleet safety professionals, managers, and compliance personnel with a practical, in-depth understanding of the FMCSA Crash Preventability Determination Program (CPDP) and the DataQs process used to challenge crash data and inspection records. Participants will learn how FMCSA determines whether certain non-preventable crashes are eligible for review, how those determinations impact CSA scores and public safety records, and why many DataQs challenges fail due to documentation or procedural errors. The course walks attendees through the full lifecycle of a preventability submission—from identifying eligible crash types and gathering supporting evidence (police reports, dash-cam footage, witness statements, and insurance findings) to submitting effective requests through DataQs and responding to state or FMCSA follow-up. Special emphasis is placed on common pitfalls, state-level inconsistencies, and realistic expectations regarding outcomes and timelines. Using real-world case studies and recent FMCSA examples, participants will gain actionable strategies to improve the quality of crash submissions, align internal post-crash investigation practices with federal standards, and integrate preventability determinations into a broader CSA and safety-management strategy. Key Learning Outcomes Understand which crashes qualify for FMCSA preventability review and why others are excluded Navigate the DataQs system effectively and avoid common submission mistakes Identify documentation and evidence that strengthens preventability requests Recognize the limits of preventability determinations on CSA scores and SMS visibility Build a repeatable, audit-defensible internal process for crash review and challenges Ideal Audience Safety directors, safety managers, compliance managers, risk managers, operations leaders, and anyone responsible for post-crash investigation, CSA management, or regulatory interactions.