It’s no secret that marijuana use is on the rise in the United States. In fact, according to a recent study, nearly 41,000 truck drivers tested positive for marijuana in 2022. This is up from just over 18,000 in 2016. While this may be concerning to some employers and transportation companies. That accounts for a 32% increase over 2021.
In 2022, nearly 41,000 truck drivers tested positive for marijuana use – more than double the number of drivers who tested positive in 2016.
In 2022, nearly 41,000 truck drivers tested positive for marijuana use, compared to the 19,000 drivers who tested positive in 2016. This staggering increase drops a heavy concern for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and other regulatory bodies that oversee the safety of our roads. The FMCSA has responded by introducing a Clearinghouse scheme to identify which drivers are using illicit substances. This system requires trucking companies and employers to conduct pre-employment screenings, provide ongoing drug testing and perform thorough inspections of their driver’s record. By tracking these records with the FMCSA Clearinghouse, they can ensure that marijuana usage among truck drivers is actively monitored and regulated. As this problem continues to grow, it is important for us to monitor marijuana usage among truck drivers with the help of initiatives like the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
The increase in marijuana use among truck drivers is concerning, as it can impair their ability to drive safely.
The increase in marijuana use among truck drivers is concerning and employer screenings have become increasingly important in keeping the roads safe. Employers should take extra precautions to mitigate this risk, as drug use can severely impair a driver’s ability to drive safely. In addition, employer screenings can help to identify drivers who are under the influence of drugs and get them off the roads. DOT 5 panel drug tests are often used in employer screenings, as they help employers detect multiple drugs including marijuana with great accuracy and retention time. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has also implemented a Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse that requires all employers to electronically report both positive drug and alcohol test results from employer-mandated drug screens, providing an enhanced layer of safety for all commercial motor vehicle operators. With these measures being taken, employers can work towards ensuring their drivers are safe on the roads.
There are a few possible explanations for the increase in marijuana use among truck drivers, including changes in state laws and the rising use of CBD and THC edible products.
Truck drivers have been facing an increasing trend of marijuana use, with some explanations including recently-implemented state laws and the rising popularity of ingestible CBD/THC products. While it is clear that more truck drivers are using marijuana than ever before, it is still uncertain what the effects are for them, their employers, and the general public. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is currently trying to address this issue by creating a Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse that will maintain records of truck driver drug and alcohol tests. In addition to providing data to help assess road safety risks from impaired driving, this clearinghouse has the potential to benefit both employers and truck drivers by monitoring safety compliance as well as reducing fumbles in background checks on applicants. It will be interesting to see how this initiative could help limit marijuana use among truck drivers while promoting responsible drug testing practices amongst private employers.
Whatever the reason for the increase, it’s important to be aware of the dangers of driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
In the wake of increasingly stringent post-accident and pre-employment testing to detect impaired drivers, it is more important than ever to be aware of the very real dangers of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has established a clearinghouse, which enforces the increased concern for safety and protection from those operating commercial vehicles while impaired. Drivers must enroll each year in this initiative regardless of their employment status, meaning businesses are being held to standard that ensures a constant effort to protect public safety through responsible drug and alcohol use. Every driver should take this seriously; being aware of the consequences is key in preventing impairment while driving!
If you’re a truck driver, make sure you know your company’s policy on drug use and be careful not to put yourself and others at risk by driving while impaired.
If you are a truck driver, it is imperative that you familiarize yourself with the rules of proper safety and regulation. This ultimately starts with understanding your employer’s stance on drug use, as driving while impaired not only puts you at risk for facing legal repercussions, but may also place any fellow drivers in danger of an accident. To ensure that your job performance remains up to standard, stay informed and abstain from drugs whilst operating your vehicle – this way, you will be sure to be as safe as possible on the road.
If you have any questions about WSI making the FMCSA Clearinghouse easy, DOT drug testing or DOT physicals, give us a call at 844-573-8378 (TEST) or support@workplacescreening.com to speak with a knowledgeable staff member today. We’re here to help you find the information you need to stay safe on the road.