The Department of Transportation (DOT) requires supervisors of Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) drivers to complete 60 minutes of training on alcohol misuse and 60 minutes on controlled substance use to recognize reasonable suspicion of impairment. The objective of the training is to equip supervisors with the information and resources to identify physical, behavioral, speech, and performance indicators of substance abuse in drivers and guide them through the proper referral for testing. Additionally, drivers can undergo separate training to understand their rights, responsibilities, and the consequences of a positive test.
Why is Training So Critical?
According to data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), about five percent of trucking accidents are caused by commercial drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The prevalence of alcohol and other drug use among truck drivers can impair their cognitive functioning and behaviors, which can impact how they drive, causing them to drive faster or make poor decisions about road conditions, for instance. Under the FMCSA regulations, a commercial truck driver is considered intoxicated if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.04 percent or higher.
What Topics are Covered for Supervisors?
Topics include identifying the physical signs of alcohol or drug use (such as coordination issues, changes in appearance, or odor), behavioral indicators like mood swings or erratic actions, and speech or performance changes that may signal impairment. Supervisors also learn how substance use can impact safety, productivity, and team dynamics, as well as the proper steps to take when making a reasonable suspicion determination, including confidentiality protocols, documentation requirements, and best practices for employee communication.
Several online and in-person courses are available from third-party providers to meet the DOT requirements.
Note: This training requirement does not apply to owner-operators who are the only driver in their company.
How About Training for Truck Drivers?
Although formal drug and alcohol training isn’t required for drivers, it plays an important role in keeping both drivers and the public safe. Training helps drivers understand not only the legal requirements around testing and prohibited substances but also the real-world consequences of impairment, from slower reaction times to judgment errors that can cause serious accidents.
Driver-focused training typically covers topics such as the effects of alcohol and controlled substances on performance, warning signs of dependency or misuse, and the importance of self-reporting and seeking help early. It also reviews FMCSA regulations, testing procedures (including pre-employment, random, post-accident, and reasonable suspicion testing), and what to expect during the testing process.
Truckers who fail a drug or alcohol test are immediately removed from all safety-sensitive duties, such as driving a commercial motor vehicle, and are required to complete a federally mandated “return-to-duty” process. This includes assessment and treatment by a qualified substance abuse professional (SAP), followed by mandatory follow-up testing.
About Western Truck
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