Vigilant trucking companies use testing procedures to ensure their drivers are avoiding drugs and alcohol. This protects the public from dangerous truck drivers, and can protect the companies from liability for truck accidents.
As times change, many factors can impact how companies go about their business and protect themselves. One consideration that has recently come to the forefront is the Drug Enforcement Agency’s plan to reschedule its marijuana classification to Schedule III from its status as a Schedule I. Companies need to be cognizant of the possible issues they might face in the aftermath and make sure they are shielded.
How the rescheduling might impact trucking
Concerns about this change were addressed in a hearing with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. According to the secretary, the rescheduling is not expected to hinder trucking companies’ attempts to effectively screen drivers and other employees for marijuana. Some lawmakers remain worried about the ramifications as it is believed that some drivers will get behind the wheel after using marijuana, placing themselves and others on the road at risk.
The fear has extended to the industry itself with the American Trucking Associations stating it believes that limitations in testing for marijuana would inevitably result in negative consequences. It references the statistics saying that when drivers are tested, the most commonly found intoxicating substances are alcohol and marijuana.
Accidents in which there was a fatality and involved marijuana rose substantially between the years 2000 and 2018 with a spike to more than 21% from 9%. In addition, testing drivers has grown more complex as trucking safety experts want drivers to be hair-tested to get a better gauge on whether they have been using drugs or not. Despite that, the enhanced testing has not yet been put in effect.
Trucking liability needs to be a priority for companies
Truck companies need to prepare for inevitable challenges and legal vulnerabilities every day. Part of that is having comprehensive strategies in place for all eventualities. The changing of marijuana’s scheduling classification is one such issue that must be addressed. This is true for testing drivers, making sure regulations are followed and lodging a trucking defense when there are legal claims against the company.