Trucking association wants action on drug, alcohol testing
The American Trucking Associations has again urged Congress to sanction and fund a national database of drug and alcohol testing results for the nation's 3.4 million truck drivers.
The ATA said Wednesday’s Government Accountability Office report confirms its recommendations, which also include:
' A ban on the manufacture, sale and distribution of products that help some drivers evade drug tests; penalties for those who use them; and provide the U.S. Department of Transportation with additional authority to improve oversight of specimen collection facilities and practices.
' Congress to direct the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the DOT to initiate a rulemaking that allows the testing of alternative specimens such as hair.
' The DOT to issue a new regulation creating a tougher audit process and enhanced penalties for new carriers entering the trucking business.
The ATA added that DOT statistics show that drug abuse among commercial drivers is under 2 percent and when measured by a percentage of positive test results, is less than half of that found in the general work force.
'Trucking has worked diligently to eradicate drug and alcohol abuse from its work force. And we've made great progress in recent years,' said Bill Graves, ATA president and chief executive officer. 'But we are requesting additional help from the government since it is a federally required program involving significant federal oversight.”