US Anti Drug And Booze Strike Force Hits Truckers

US – We often refer to the work of the US Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration who can be seen to actively pursue their remit all year round. Even the wider introduction of ‘Alcolocks’ to prevent driver taking control of a vehicle when intoxicated, will not prevent those who abuse drugs and endanger the lives of innocent citizens. There can be no more senseless act than driving a heavy freight truck whilst under the influence.

We face the sad truth then that the FMCSA annual campaign to catch transgressors will continue for the foreseeable future and, sadly, this years sweep produced a bevy of offenders. 109 commercial bus and truck drivers were removed from the roads and more than 175 carriers face enforcement actions as a result of the policy.

During the two week sweep, FMCSA strike force 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.

FMCSA Administrator Anne S. Ferro, commented:

“FMCSA is committed to ensuring that only safe commercial drivers and carriers are allowed to operate. Our annual drug and alcohol strike force is just one of the ways we weed out those ‘bad actors’ and make our roads safer for everyone.”

The commercial drivers stopped from driving during the fortnight face a fine and prohibition from operating a commercial motor vehicle for failing to adhere to federal drug and alcohol regulations. Additionally, the 175 commercial carriers 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.