Government Office Finds that Cheating on Truck Driving Drug Tests is Easy
Government Office Finds that Cheating on Truck Driving Drug Tests is Easy
A recent investigation by the Government Accountability Office found that it was easy for truck drivers to cheat on random drug tests.
Undercover investigators from the independent agency were able to use fake truck driver’s licenses to gain access to 24 drug-testing sites. During this time they found that 75 percent of these sites failed to restrict access to items that could be used to dilute the urine sample. Running water, soap and air fresheners were available in the bathroom during the test.
Additionally, the investigators bought drug-masking products and were able to mix them with their specimens without being caught. Drug-screening labs also failed to detect that these drug-masking products had been used.
According to the Department of Transportation, which requires motor carrier to regularly drug test their employees, driver errors cause most accidents. Additionally, the department notes that only about two percent of truck drivers test positive in these random drug tests. However, when officials in Oregon conducted their own tests, about nine percent of drivers tested positive.
If it is difficult for testing labs to realize that drivers are using products to mask drug use, it is likely the reason the department’s numbers are so low. Furthermore, although two percent seems like a low number, it still equates to 30,000 drivers who are testing positive for drug use and putting other motorists in danger.
Although the number of large truck accidents has dropped nationally, the number of Commercial Motor Vehicle crashes in Louisiana increased between 2012 and 2013.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a truck accident caused by a driver who was under the influence, the victim may be entitled to compensation for damages. The Baton Rouge truck accident lawyers at Simien & Simien can help you determine what your legal rights are.
