The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's annual drug and alcohol strike force sweep, held April 30 to May 11, resulted in 287 commercial bus and truck drivers being removed from the roads. More than 128 companies face enforcement actions as a result of the two-week sweep.

Nearly 200 federal investigators examined the drug and alcohol safety records of commercial drivers employed by bus and truck companies, including school bus drivers, interstate passenger carriers, hazardous material transporters and general freight long-haul trucking companies.

Their goals 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 evade federal drug and alcohol testing and reporting requirements.

"Removing these dangerous drivers from the roads helps save lives and sends a strong signal that we will not tolerate negligent commercial drivers and companies that violate federal alcohol and drug safety standards," says FMCSA Administrator Anne Ferro.

The 287 commercial drivers identified in the sweep face the prospect of a fine and being barred from operating a commercial motor vehicle for failing to adhere to federal drug and alcohol regulations.

Additionally, 128 truck and bus companies face pending enforcement actions for violations, such as using a driver who has tested positive for illegal drugs and for not instituting a drug and alcohol testing program.

Both drivers and carriers will have an opportunity to contest the alleged violations and the amount of the civil penalties.