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DrugScreening.org


 

10 Percent of Truckers Fail Drug Tests in Oregon
May 9, 2007

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News Summary

Anonymous urine samples collected from truck drivers during safety inspections in Salem, Ore., revealed that 10 percent of drivers tested positive for drugs, the Oregon Statesman-Journal reported May 3.

The state police said "Operation Trucker Check," conducted over a three-day period, involved 500 truckers. Marijuana, methamphetamine, and opiates were the most commonly detected drugs. However, officials did not determine whether any of the drugs were being used legally; some of the 16 drivers who tested positive for opiates, for example, may have been legally using drugs like Vicodin.

"It's a problem bigger than enforcement and state police," said Oregon state police Sgt. Alan Hageman. "It needs to be looked at by the transportation community as a whole."

"We continue to be concerned by any drug use by our drivers. Our industry has a zero tolerance, and that's our goal," said Bob Russell, the president of Oregon Trucking Association. Federal law requires truckers to submit to pre-employment and post-accident drug tests, but not random testing.

Officials said marijuana and methamphetamine use were found to be higher in the most recent safety check than in others conducted in 1998 and 1999. 

COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE:
(Comments now appear first to last)

Posted by Brenda on 09 Mar 08 12:05 PM EDT
Hello,I have a problem with this article. Every truck driver in the country, who carry a commercial drivers license, are subject by Federal Law to be in a Random drug and alcohol Dot mandated program.It has been that way for a few years now.I very seldom see a positive drug screen on a trucker and I'm more likely to see a positive alcohol screen.

Posted by Kelly on 30 Jun 08 09:30 PM EDT
Brenda is correct. That statement of no random testing is so inaccurate. I see more than I'd like of pre-employment tests being positive, as well as randoms. There is so much more that could be being done from a federal level to reduce these numbers.

Posted by baccus need my job back on 21 Nov 08 08:35 PM EST
after driving for a 18 months,same company tested pos. for thc on pre-employment will i beable to work for same employer

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