The trucking industry is one of the most critical sectors of the US economy. The industry employs over 3.5 million drivers who transport goods worth billions of dollars across the country. Unfortunately, recent data suggests that there has been a concerning trend in the industry - an increasing number of truck drivers are failing drug tests. This trend is a bad sign that highlights the need for urgent action to ensure public safety and the integrity of the trucking industry.
According to a report published by the FMCSA Clearinghouse, a database established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), over 40,000 drivers failed drug tests in 2020. This figure represents a 9% increase from the previous year. The report also indicates that over 80% of the drivers who failed the tests tested positive for marijuana, which has been legalized in some states.
Read about: What is Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse?
The high rate of drug use among truck drivers is a significant concern for several reasons. First, drug use can impair a driver's judgment, reaction time, and coordination, making them more prone to accidents. This can put the safety of the driver and other road users at risk. Second, the failure of drug tests is a violation of FMCSA regulations, which require drivers to be free of drugs and alcohol while on duty. This indicates a lack of regard for safety regulations, which is unacceptable in an industry as critical as trucking.
More information: Top 6 DOT requirements for Truckers
Failing drug test in the trucking industry is a significant concern for the US economy. According to the American Trucking Association (ATA), the industry moves more than 70% of the nation's freight by weight, and the industry's total revenue was over $791 billion in 2019. However, the cost of drug use in the industry can be significant.
A recent study found that drug-using truck drivers had a 79% higher crash risk than non-drug-using drivers. The study estimated that drug use by truck drivers resulted in $8.2 billion in economic losses due to property damage, injuries, and fatalities.
Additionally, failing a drug test can result in reduced productivity, job loss, and higher insurance premiums, all of which can negatively impact the industry's operations and contribute to economic losses. These statistics highlight the need for urgent action to address drug use in the trucking industry and promote safety and productivity.
As the issue of drug abuse in trucking industry becomes increasingly concerning, companies need reliable and efficient drug testing programs to ensure safety and productivity. goMDnow is a leading provider of drug and alcohol testing services that offer convenient and customizable solutions to meet the unique needs of businesses.
