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The transportation industry affects almost every aspect of our daily lives. Whether by road, rail, water or air, America's vast transportation networks are in use day and night moving people and goods to and from points across the country. Regrettably, alcohol and drugs are a factor in a significant%age of transportation-related accidents each year. This alarming reality has serious consequences for companies and workers within the industry as well as members of the general public who rely on transportation systems. consequently, the US Department of Transportation (DOT) has mandated that all industry companies maintain alcohol- and drug-free workplaces. By complying with governmental regulations and proactively addressing the issue of substance abuse, transportation companies help ensure success for their commercial enterprises and increase the level of safety for all travelers nationwide.
A The United States government analysis revealed that rates of substance abuse among four different types of personnel within the transportation industry are as follows:1
| |
Occupation |
Past-Year Illicit Drug Use (%) |
Heavy Alcohol Use (%) |
Truck Drivers (light) |
18.9 |
15.1 |
Vehicle Repairers |
17.0 |
14.9 |
Truck Drivers (heavy) |
16.4 |
13.3 |
Bus Drivers |
13.6 |
6.7 |
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To address the rising rate of substance abuse in the US and the general safety of all people who travel within the country, Congress passed the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991. The Act requires transportation industry companies to establish and maintain alcohol- and drug-free workplace programs that incorporate both alcohol and drug testing.
Regarding their companies' efforts to prevent workplace substance abuse, transportation industry workers report:
- 76.1% provide workers with information about alcohol and drugs.
- 73.6% have written policies about employee alcohol or drug use.
- 52.9% provide access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) for workers who have drug or alcohol problems.2
Transportation workers report that the following types of drug testing are prevalent through out the industry:
- At Hiring (62.7%)
- Random (52.5%)
- Upon Suspicion (48.9%)
- Post-Accident (58.8%)3
From large international corporations to relatively small local contractors, transportation firms are implementing and maintaining drug-free workplace programs to ensure productive workforces and safe workplaces — company features that ultimately result in increased profitability and success.
Workplace Substance Abuse Articles and information sheets:
Information On the Dangers of Workplace Substance Abuse |
