TABLE OF CONTENTS

This study was conducted in an effort to improve motor carrier safety by developing a better understanding of the statistical relationships that may exist within and among the Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS) data bases. This study was made possible through the cooperation of several agencies. Specifically, special thanks goes to the North Dakota State Highway Patrol, the Federal Highway Administration Office of Motor Carriers, the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute, and to all those involved with each of these agencies who aided in the preparation and review of this report. The main objective of the present study is to analyze roadside inspection data and its relationship to safety/compliance review and accident data. Data used for this analysis is provided by the Office of Motor Carriers and includes a sample of larger carriers with the most recent inspection information and safety ratings. As part of this paper, summaries of past work in this area and in other related areas are given, as well as reviews of ongoing research. The current study finds strong support for a relationship between the aforementioned data sets and the findings are compared with the earlier work reviewed. In addition, some preliminary results of further research into the characteristics of those firms with littl