Drug and Alcohol Testing for Truck Drivers

Truck drivers must submit to random tests for the presence of drugs or alcohol in their systems in several situations. Trucking companies have the authority to administer drug and alcohol tests to drivers where there is reasonable suspicion regarding the driver's conduct. Those drivers who refuse to submit to a test may be barred from driving.

Trucking companies are required to randomly test 10 percent of their drivers each year for drugs and alcohol use while on duty. Trucking companies also are required to test drivers involved in fatal accidents, accidents causing serious injuries and accidents where the driver is cited with a moving violation.

A recent Congressional study by the General Accounting Office raised concerned about lax testing protocols and the ease with which drivers could falsify a test result. Despite stricter laws, a small percentage of truck drivers involved in serious accidents continue to test positive for drug or alcohol use.

If you were seriously injured in an accident in which a truck driver was cited for alcohol or drug use, you may have a legal right to seek compensation from the truck driver and the company that employed him or her.

Take this opportunity to learn more about your rights after a truck accident caused by a trucker who was under the influence of alcohol or drugs – contact a truck accident attorney at Arnold & Itkin LLP today.