With the efforts of drug screening and automobile safety legislation, the roads of the 21st century are as safe as they have ever been– until recently. Unfortunately, due to distracted driving, the statistics on fatal car crashes have begun to trend in the wrong direction. But recent news has given us something positive to hang our hat on as we look forward to 2017. This news will affect the motor carrier industry, drug screening facilities and just about anyone who takes on the road daily. Keep reading to learn more:
The Statistics
- In 2015, 35,000 people lost their lives due to an automobile accident.
- That was a 7.2% increase from 2014– the largest rise in over 50 years.
- Nearly one-third of all fatal and non-fatal car accidents in the United States were related to a drunk driver.
- In 2015, 1.8% of CDL (Commercial Drivers License) drivers tested positive for drugs or alcohol.
What is the Clearinghouse?
The FMSCA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) announced a final ruling on the National Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse for commercial truck and bus drivers. They decided that the clearinghouse would benefit DOT employers and employees and make strides towards the overall goal of keeping the streets safe for ALL drivers. The clearinghouse is essentially a main hub where the drug screening information of all CDL drivers will be held for review by current or future employers. The final rule will become effective in January 2020.
How can it help?
This rule requires motor carriers, Medical Review Officers, third-party administrators, and substance abuse professionals to report information about CDL drivers who test positive. Once the information is entered, DOT employers will be required to survey the clearinghouse and make sure the potential employee has a clean record. If he/she doesn’t and they haven’t completed the return-to-duty process, they can not be hired. In addition, employers will also have to do an annual check on the drug testing records of their current employees.
We can all agree that these changes were necessary and they are going to help implement a safer future for all drivers. But with changes like these, you need to be aware of the adjustments that need to be made to your policy. Here at National Drug Screening, we want to provide you with all of the information you need right here in our Clearinghouse Reporting & Requirements Summary.
For more information, call 866-843-4545 or click around on our website!
