New Method for Drug Testing Truck Drivers: A Game-Changing Study

Many folks are keenly aware of the disruptions in supply chains that have occurred over the last several years. The disruptions put heavy strains on the trucking industry which was already experiencing a shortage of truck drivers. Recently a new study was published which could potentially put a further strain on the trucking industry which is still experiencing a shortage of truck drivers. 

The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has strict regulations prohibiting the use of illegal drugs by professionals in safety-sensitive occupations such as commercial truck drivers, airline pilots, and train engineers. Many folks would agree that individuals operating such heavy equipment should be responsible and competent. Personal injury attorneys have always suspected that drugs and/or alcohol were the cause of most tractor-trailer accidents. 

A groundbreaking study conducted between 2017 and 2022 has shed light on a significant flaw in the DOT’s drug testing methodology and proven what tractor trailer accident lawyers have long suspected. The research, based on the analysis of nearly 1 million truck driver drug test results, reveals that the current urinalysis testing method is missing approximately 90% of actual drug users.

Hair Testing Outperforms Urinalysis

Researchers from the University of Central Arkansas examined 936,872 licensed commercial truck driver (CDL) pre-employment urine and hair drug screens submitted by carriers associated with the Trucking Alliance. The results showed that hair drug tests consistently outperformed urinalysis in detecting drug use. Compared to urinalysis, hair testing revealed:

• 25 times more Opioids
• 23 times more Cocaine
• 13 times more Amphetamines/Methamphetamines
• 5 times more Marijuana
• 65 times more Ecstasy
• 3 times more Phencyclidine or phenylcyclohexyl piperidine (PCP)

These findings indicate that hair testing produced a positivity rate 900% higher than that of the DOT’s required urinalysis. Moreover, hair testing yielded more positive drug tests across all examined illegal substances, age groups, and states. It is possible that a hair sample is collected directly from the body of a perspective new driver. Whereas a urine sample is collected in the bathroom and in private. Making it easier to swap urine samples. 

Implications for Public Safety

Previous research from the University of Central Arkansas revealed that if hair drug tests were widely implemented in the national truck driver population and the results were submitted to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, an additional 276,500 truck drivers would be disqualified from driving. The potential impact on public safety is significant.

The Texas Connection

In 2022, among the 173,408 pre-employment drug test results analyzed, Texas stood out with the highest number of positive hair drug test results, primarily related to marijuana and cocaine. Coincidentally, Texas also leads the nation in large truck crashes, as reported by the FMCSA. The correlation between drug use and safety incidents begs the question of the efficacy of the current methods being used. 

Lack of Implementation and Escaping Detection

Despite Congress directing the Secretary of Transportation to approve hair drug tests as an option for employers in 2015, the DOT has failed to comply with the law due to bureaucratic delays. Consequently, the agency refuses to accept hair test results, even from nationally accredited laboratories. As a result, approximately 90% of actual drug users, equivalent to over 26,000 licensed truck drivers, have escaped detection by relying solely on the DOT’s urinalysis. These drivers could potentially find employment elsewhere, posing continued risks to public safety.

Addressing the Crisis

The study’s findings ought to be addressed. Examples such as the driving records of commercial truck drivers in Texas clearly show a correlation between accidents and the abuse of illegal substances. Addressing this issue also comes at a difficult time in the US with so many disruptions in supply chains only furthering the burden felt by the commercial truck driver shortage. Commercial truck drivers move over 72% of America’s freight. The industry already suffers from an estimated 80,000 driver deficit. 

According to the Truck Driving Association in 2019, over 10 million Americans held a commercial driving license. Which is almost 3x the number of trucks needed to meet the demand of US truck shipping. It is likely that without tackling the drug testing issues with a multi-directional approach will further the issue of not necessarily a lack of drivers but a shortage of drivers willing or eligible to sit in the driver’s seat. 

As many folks are aware, the US has a major drug abuse problem. Both legal and illegal. Addressing this issue effectively will definitely require a multi-step approach. Reforming not just ‘how’ drug screenings and tests are conducted but also certain prohibitions and their legality. 

As more and more states change their drug laws this could also present a challenge for drivers who work seasonally during different times of the year and live in multiple states. One substance they took months ago may ban them by way of a hair test from working in a state where that substance is not legal. For more on drug charge lawyers see our posts here. 

Recognizing Hair Test Results

DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg’s job is to address public safety. There are possibly dozens of reasons for the lack of enforcement of these regulations. The most obvious is that the US simply could not handle a 50% reduction in qualified CDL drivers. However, it does appear that things are in motion to reform how drug tests are conducted and hopefully also address other broken systems of regulations so that the public remains safe while out on the roads. 

The recent study highlights a significant gap in the DOT’s drug testing methods, with hair testing proving to be more effective. If lawmakers continue to focus on reforms with studies like these in mind, it is likely that many truck drivers will be hard-pressed to retain their commercial truck driving licenses. Further shortages will certainly affect us all as folks will inevitably not only see higher prices at the store for goods that require shipping but also shortages of goods that simply lacked someone to drive the shipment. 

While we all can agree that safer roads and sober drivers are the best route forward the political landscape of it all still seems uncertain. In any event, if you find yourself in need of an 18-wheeler accident attorney, the lawyers at Garnett Patterson Injury Lawyers are here to assist you no matter what your situation. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.