An undercover investigation by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) revealed that it isn’t very difficult for truck drivers to cheat on randomized drug tests.
If you have been injured in a truck accident contact the reputable truck accident lawyers at O’Connor, Acciani & Levy today for help obtaining the compensation you need to get back on your feet. Call us at (877) 288-3241 to schedule a free legal consultation.
GAO investigators used fake drivers licenses to gain access to 24 truck driver drug-testing sites.
Their investigation found that 75 percent of the sites failed to restrict access to items that could be used to alter or dilute the urine specimen. Running water, soap and even an air freshener were all available in the bathroom during the test, each of which could be used to alter an individuals specimen.
Additionally, the investigation team used drug-masking products and were able to mix them in with their specimens without being caught by site collectors.
The Transportation Department estimates that less than 2 percent of truck drivers test positive each year in random drug tests. However, when law enforcement officials in Oregon conducted their own random tests, about nine percent of drivers tested positive. Additionally, two percent of truck drivers equates to approximately 30,000 truck drivers testing positive for drug use and putting other drivers at risk.
According to the Department of Transportation, driver errors are more likely to cause a truck accident than drug use. Additionally, the number of large truck fatalities decreased by nearly five percent in 2013.
Although the statistics may show that drug use is minimal, when tests can easily be manipulated it is likely that the numbers provided are incorrect.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident that was caused by an impaired driver, the victim may be entitled to compensation. Contact a Cincinnati injury lawyer at our law firm today.