FMCSA Cracks Down on Drug and Alcohol Use
Following the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's first national drug and alcohol strike force, more than 80 carriers face enforcement action while 77 commercial bus and truck drivers were taken off the road
Following the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's first national drug and alcohol strike force, more than 80 carriers face enforcement action while 77 commercial bus and truck drivers were taken off the road.
The strike force, which lasted from Sept. 8 through Sept. 18, involved FMCSA safety investigators, who examined the drug and alcohol safety records of commercial drivers employed by bus companies, hazardous material transporters and general freight long-haul trucking companies.
"Safety is the number one priority for the Department of Transportation," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "Violators of our drug and alcohol policies have no business driving a commercial vehicle. Programs like the drug and alcohol strike force are helping remove the most dangerous offenders from our roadways."
The 77 commercial drivers have been taken out of service, and will likely face a monetary fine. In addition, the 84 commercial carriers face pending enforcement action for violations such as using a driver that has tested positive for illegal drugs and for not instituting a drug and alcohol testing program.
The goals of the strike force were to identify motor carriers in violation of federal drug and alcohol testing requirements and to remove from the road commercial truck and bus drivers who jump from carrier to carrier to try and evade federal drug and alcohol testing and reporting requirements.
Drivers and carriers will have an opportunity to contest the alleged violations and the amount of the civil penalties.
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