Podcast #64: Truck Driver Drug Testing Changes Launched
Listen to this episode of the “Eyes on the Road” trucking podcast as we discuss new drug testing rules with Dan Horvath, vice president of safety policy at the American Trucking Associations. He discusses proposals that will allow for the use of oral fluids and hair when it comes to mandatory drug testing. Horvath also talks about what this will mean for both truck drivers and motor carriers and why these changes are happening.
Blog, Podcasts, Regulations, Safety, Trucking Community7 Tips for Trucking Safely Through Road Construction Zones
April 11-15, 2022 is National Work Zone Awareness Week. This is worth noting because we can all use a reminder at the start of road construction season to take extra care when driving through work zones. It’s a sad fact, but work zone crashes and fatalities continue to increase. In 2019, the last full year for statistics, there were 762 fatal crashes with 842 fatalities in work zones nationally. Those numbers represent, respectively, a 9.8% and a 7.6% increase over the previous three-year average.
Blog, SafetyNominations Open for International Driver Excellence Award, Sponsored by PrePass
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance is accepting nominations through May 20th for the 2022 International Driver Excellence Award (IDEA), sponsored by PrePass Safety Alliance. “This annual award recognizes individuals who go above and beyond the performance of their duties as a commercial vehicle driver, distinguishing themselves conspicuously and beyond the call of duty through the achievement of safe operation and compliance carried out with evident distinction for an extended period of time,” said CVSA.
Blog, Safety, Trucking CommunityFMCSA Finalizes New Regulations for Truck Windshield Areas
In the trucking industry and commercial vehicle law enforcement, we have become accustomed to federal agencies, like the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, creating regulations. We often forget that we have the power to petition for a new rule as well. One company didn’t forget. Daimler Trucks North America wanted its automatic emergency braking monitoring hardware installed on the inside of truck windshields.
Blog, Regulations, TechnologyThe Pros and Cons of Truck Tolling by Plate
Tolling technology comes in two versions: toll by plate and toll by transponder. Both reduce delays and hassles of toll tickets and toll booths. However, toll by plate and toll by transponder accomplish collecting tolls very differently. And those differences can affect a motor carrier’s bottom line greatly. Read about this in the PrePass whitepaper “The Pros and Cons of Truck Tolling by Plate.”
Blog, Technology, TollingReport: Trucker Drug Violations Move Higher
Data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse shows a 10.2% increase with 58,215 drug violations in 2021. Those violations include driver refusals to submit to a test, drug test failures, and actual knowledge of a drug violation. However, 82% of the total for last year is due to positive drug tests. By far the most frequent substance identified in the positive drug tests was marijuana, followed distantly by cocaine.
Blog, Regulations, Safety