It is not unusual for residents of Delaware or any other state to undergo drug testing as part of their job. For some, it may be the final part of the initial hiring process, while for others it may be a random or routine element of keeping their job. For truck drivers, drug and alcohol testing is extremely important, as sobriety is critical for safely operating any motor vehicle, let alone a potentially dangerous truck.
Unfortunately, all too many truck accidents are caused by drivers who choose to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The U.S. Department of Transportation takes this problem seriously, however. Essentially, all Commercial Driver’s License drivers operating commercial vehicles are potentially subject to the Department of Transportation’s drug and alcohol testing. This does not just apply to full-time drivers; part-time drivers may also be tested as well as backup drivers, international drivers and intermittent drivers.
The Department of Transportation can test for marijuana, phencyclidine or PCP, cocaine, methamphetamines, amphetamines and opiates. These groups compose a wide variety of drug classifications, all of which can lead to serious injuries if these types of drugs are used on the job. The Department of Transportation may also test for alcohol-the tests will typically identify blood alcohol content of .02 and higher. Since Commercial Driver’s License drivers are often in charge of safely maneuvering huge and heavy vehicles or driving them at high rates of speed on our nation’s interstates, they are usually subject to stricter blood alcohol content limits than non-commercial drivers.
A person who has been hit by a drunk truck driver will likely never forget their accident. These wrecks can cause catastrophic injuries and death; a truck crash victim is often lucky to make it out alive. It is possible to hold an inattentive truck driver accountable whether or not he or she was using alcohol or drugs at the time of the incident. Uncovering negligence can be much easier with the help of a Delaware truck accident law firm.
Source: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, “Who is Tested?” accessed Feb. 24, 2016
