How Often Do Truck Drivers Test Positive for Drugs?

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There is no doubt that America has a drug problem. Millions of people struggle with addiction. Their addictions not only affect their lives, and their family’s lives, but the problems that go with addition often spill over into their professional lives, as well. One industry where drugs have become a major – and dangerous – issue is the trucking industry.

In an effort to help combat this issue, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) created the Commercial Driver’s License Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. The Clearinghouse is an online secure database that provides real-time information about commercial driver’s license (CDL) and commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holders’ drug and alcohol program violations. This database can be accessed by employers, the FMCSA, law enforcement agencies, and state driver licensing agencies. The Clearinghouse enables trucking companies and other employers to identify truck drivers who violate drug and alcohol regulations when they are working for one company but fail to inform any other company that employs them of the violations.

Clearinghouse Status

Each month, the FMCSA releases a report that highlights the data collected. As of the last report, issued in August, there have been almost 96,000 violations reported since January 2020. Of those violations, 82 percent were drug violations.

The drug that shows up in the most amount of truck driver drug tests is marijuana, responsible for just under 51,000 positive drug tests. The drug that comes in second is cocaine, having shown up in approximately 14,000 truck driver drug tests, followed by methamphetamine at 8,700.

Although cocaine and methamphetamine are illegal in every state, recreational use of marijuana has been legalized in many states, including right here in Virginia. Any adult who is 21 years or older can possess, consume, and grow the drug. However, just because it is legal, that does not mean that truck drivers are allowed to use the drug on the clock. The use of marijuana while driving can result in a driving while impaired charge for anyone who operates a vehicle, however, the DUI rules are even more stringent for those who hold CDLs.

Contact a Va. Truck Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident caused by a truck driver operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol, contact a seasoned Virginia truck accident attorney. Truck accidents can be more complex than other types of motor vehicle accidents because depending on the circumstances of the crash, there may be multiple parties who are liable for a victim’s injuries.

Victims of truck accidents may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, loss of income and benefits, pain and suffering, emotional anguish, permanent disability, scarring, disfigurement, and more.

Our Virginia personal injury law firm has successfully represented many clients who were injured in truck accidents and will use all available resources to aggressively advocate for you and your family in obtaining the financial compensation you deserve. Call Shapiro, Appleton & Washburn today at 800-752-0042 for a free case evaluation. With almost four decades of legal experience behind us, we will get you the best possible outcome based on the circumstances of your case.

 

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