Important Truths about Department of Transport Drug Testing
Every day millions of people rely on public transport to get to their schools, workplace, business appointments and recreational centers to mention but a few. When traveling using public transport, the traveler puts their safety in the hands of others. The individuals who transport members of the public, company employees, or operate costly automobiles such as tracks on behalf of their employers, must maintain safety standards. Unfortunately, when many public and private transport operators are allowed to self-regulate, they are irresponsible. Irresponsibility in the transport sector leads to accidents, physical injury, emotional injury, and fatality. The US Department of transport requires public transport drivers to take a mandatory drug test before they operate public transport automobiles.
DOT drug testing usually assesses if the public transport operator has used drugs and alcohol contrary to transport regulations. Some of the drugs tested during this examination are marijuana, cocaine, opioids, methamphetamine, morphine, heroin, and codeine. When the drivers use the mentioned drugs, alcohol, and other controlled substances while on duty, it affects their judgment and ability to dispense their duties responsibly. Periodic and regular DOT drug testing ensures that for the sake of their jobs, the public transport sector drivers abstain from using illegal drugs and alcohol while on duty. Private companies equally comply with the DOT regulations to ensure their drivers are maintaining safety standards. Make sure to check out coronavirus testing Davenport options.
Many scenarios prompt drivers to be asked to take a DOT drug test. First and foremost, this test is taken for pre-employment. Before any public or private company employs a driver the driver will be requested to take a DOT drug test. Further, the employer is required to take a random test on their drivers on a quarterly basis. In case any public transport driver or track driver is involved in a road accident they are required by law to take a DOT drug test to affirm they were not driving under the influence.
Supervisors may also compel drivers to take DOT tests on grounds of reasonable suspicion. If a driver has uncoordinated speech, displays undesirable behavior, appear off, or smells of alcohol, they may be asked to take a drug test. If they fail the drug test, such drivers can be suspended or dismissed from work. When suspended drivers come report back on duty, they have to present a return-to-duty test result or certificate. Such drivers will equally take a subsequent scheduled test known as a follow-up test. Employers and drivers should familiarize themselves with the DOT drug test requirements and regulations. You'll want to know about the most reliable coronavirus testing Davenport services.
Drugs and alcohol are not the only aspects an employer should look out for. When employing a private or public transport driver, the employer should also carry out a background check on their drivers to ensure they don’t have a criminal past. Criminal elements will jeopardize the wellbeing of the public, the employer, and the employer's assets. Further, during this season of the coronavirus pandemic, employers should also carry out regular COVID-19 tests on their drivers.