Drug Use Among Truck Drivers
July 23, 2019
Approximately 300,000 commercial truck drivers should be purged from the industry because of drug use. According to the Trucking Alliance (TA), drug use is a likely reason that truck accidents are on the rise. The TA bases their stand on a recent survey, which reveals the number of truckers presently on the road who would either refuse to undergo a hair analysis or fail such a test. A hair analysis can detect drugs used over the past 90 days, while a standard urinalysis only detects drugs used over the past few days. With urinalysis, it is not difficult for a regular drug user to stay clean for several days prior to applying for work as a truck driver.
Hair Samples for Drug Testing
Currently, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), which oversees federal trucking regulations, only permits the use of urinalysis for employee drug testing. The TA claims urinalysis alone misses many drug users, and the organization prefers using hair analysis, along with urinalysis, when hiring or testing drivers. If the DOT does not change its policy regarding hair sample analysis, employers cannot send information regarding applicants who failed the hair test to the DOT’s database.
The TA argues that applicants who fail the hair test can apply to work for a company that does not administer a hair test, and if they pass the urinalysis, they are hired. The new employer cannot check to see if this person previously failed a hair test.
Legal Cannabis and Truck Drivers
A nationwide shortage of truck drivers is further exacerbated by the continuing legalization of marijuana. At a recent hearing before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, the president of the American Trucking Associations told lawmakers recreational cannabis legalization on the state level has led to difficulties finding drug-free drivers. He said the industry would like to work with regulators and Congress to develop instant testing for cannabis impairment, as is done with drivers suspected of drunk driving.
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