Although there is a growing trend toward marijuana being legalized for both medical and recreational use, the trucking industry and U.S. Department of Transportation are not following along. In November 2015, the Department of Transportation’s Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance issued a notice advising that the DOJ’s guidelines would have no effect on the DOT’s drug testing regulations.
In addition to the DOT’s stance, the American Trucking Association had been advocating for the use of hair-follicle testing to detect the presence of drugs in commercial drivers. The recently passed Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act requires the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to issue guidelines for the use of hair testing for commercial drivers.
To the benefit of the driving public, the liberalization of marijuana laws are not translating into relaxation of laws designed to keep impaired commercial drivers off the road. Rather, it appears the industry and government regulators are taking an even tougher stance on marijuana use by truck drivers.
If you or a loved one have been injured due to an accident with a commercial vehicle, you may be entitled to compensation. The attorneys at Wright Pichon & Gray are experienced in litigating personal injury cases involving commercial vehicles, and understand the significance and nuances of drug testing. For a free case evaluation, contact us..