Officials Say Substantial Number of Fatal Truck Accidents Involve Illegal Drug Use
Public safety officials have long recommended some form of drug testing as a way to reduce the commercial truck accident rate. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) routinely collects data about the causes of 18-wheeler, tractor-trailer and big rig crashes, and consistently reports that some form or prescription or illegal drugs are often involved. The National Institutes of Health also found evidence that random drug testing can effectively reduce accident rates.
Studies Show that Employee Drug Testing Lowers Accident Rates
Industry watchdogs have done extensive studies of the use of drugs by long-distance drivers. Shockingly, a report from The Trucking Alliance found that the drug-testing currently being conducted by DOT officials was inadequate, leading to significant underreporting of drug use by truck drivers. For example, in 2020, using urine tests only, the FMCSA disqualified more than 50,000 commercial truck operators for failing the drug test. The study concluded, though, that if the DOT had used a hair drug test, another 59,000 truckers would have lost their driving privileges.
Does Random Drug Testing Reduce Accident Rates?
The National Institutes of Health studied the effectiveness of random drug and alcohol testing among motor vehicle operators. The data showed that random testing for alcohol abuse reduced both injuries and fatalities, anywhere from 8% to approximately 70%.
Let Us Help Protect Your Rights after Any Type of Truck Accident
At the Law Office of Michael R. De La Paz, we have more than 26 years of experience protecting the rights of personal injury victims in Harlingen, McAllen, Brownsville and Houston, across Texas and nationwide. We have extensive experience protecting the rights of people who have been hurt in truck accidents, including crashes involving truck drivers under the influence of controlled substances. We will use our considerable experience, skill, knowledge and resources to help you get the outcome you want. Free call, text or chat, 24 hours a day, seven days a week–https://delapazlaw.com/.
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