In a new era where where deregulation of marijuana is a reality in many states, an opioid epidemic is hollowing out blue-collar America, and drivers are feeling more pressure than ever to stay productive, alert and safe, the trucking industry is having to take the drug issue head-on.
Trucking Under the Influence
Trucking Under the Influence is an investigative series by Heavy Duty Trucking examining the impact of illegal drug use by drivers amid current trends of marijuana legalization, opioid addiction, a rise in cocaine use, and changes in driver drug-testing regulations and technology.
September 10, 2019
Does trucking have a drug problem?
Image: HDT graphic
2 min to read
From the Pages of Heavy Duty Trucking Magazine:
Part 1: Truckers, Drugs and Safety
Amid national trends such as the rapid rise of marijuana legalization and a continuing opioid abuse crisis, trucking faces some disturbing trends of its own.
Part 2: 18-Wheelers and Weed
The stigma around recreational marijuana usage is increasingly fading away and it is even being touted for its medicinal uses. How will a safety-focused trucking industry deal with this new cultural norm?
Part 3: Digging Into Truck Driver Drug Use
A recent study found a higher rate of drug use by prospective drivers than was previously believed to be the case.
Part 4: Is There a Better Way to Drug Test?
DOT-required urine testing has known shortcomings, but in an industry faced with difficulty finding and keeping qualified drivers, some worry that stricter drug-testing protocols will only make the situation worse.
• Bonus Web Feature: 7 Things You Need to Know About the New Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse
Part 5: The Road Back
Is a single failed drug test or alcohol screening enough reason to terminate an otherwise valued truck driver as a “lifestyle” drug user or unsalvageable alcoholic who must never drive a truck again?
• Bonus Web Feature: Testing Positive for Marijuana – One Driver’s Story
More Digital Coverage
Jan. 22, 2019: Hauling Cannabis and Cash: New Fleets Serve Exploding Industry
March 14, 2019: ATRI Study Looks at Legal Marijuana's Impact on Fleet Operations
April 15, 2019: The Hazards of Hauling Hemp
June 12, 2019: Trucking Alliance: Driver Drug Use a Top Trucking Safety Issue
Sept. 25, 2019: Why Can't We Treat Marijuana Use Like Alcohol?
Oct. 8, 2019: New ATA Policy Addresses Marijuana Challenges in Trucking
Oct. 16, 2019: CBD Use Cost This Truck Driver His Job
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