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End-of-year drug and alcohol testing
As the calendar year comes to an end, safety pros should be looking at their random testing program and making sure the minimum testing numbers are met (completed tests equal 50 percent of the average driving positions for drug testing, 10 percent for alcohol testing). The end of the year is also a good time to brush up on some of the common problems and questions related to the drug and alcohol testing regulations. Test your knowledge by answering the following questions. Click below to see answers.
True or false?
- You are allowed to let a new driver drive once the driver is done with the pre-employment drug test.
- A driver receiving a citation for operating a commercial vehicle that requires a CDL while under the influence of drugs or alcohol qualifies as actual knowledge.
- An incident involving actual knowledge requires a drug test.
- A carrier can send a driver for a reasonable suspicion drug test if a reliable witness reports the driver is under the influence.
End-of-year drug and alcohol testing: Answers
Answers:
- False. You must have verified negative results before allowing the driver to drive a vehicle requiring a CDL to operate (382.301).
- True. The definition of “actual knowledge” in 382.107 includes a driver being issued a citation for operating under the influence (382.107).
- False. An actual knowledge situation requires the carrier to immediately remove the driver from safety-sensitive positions and not allow the driver to operate again until the return to duty process is complete. A test is not called for or required.
- False. The person making the observation must be a trained supervisor employed by the carrier (382.307).