Following the FMCSA's first national drug and alcohol strike force, more than 84 bus and trucking companies face enforcement action while 77 commercial bus and truck drivers were taken off the road.
The strike force, which lasted from Sept. 8 through Sept. 18, involved FMCSA safety investigators, who examined the drug and alcohol safety records of commercial drivers employed by bus companies, hazmat transporters and general freight long-haul trucking companies.
The goals of the strike force were to identify motor carriers in violation of federal drug and alcohol testing requirements and to remove from the road commercial truck and bus drivers who jump from carrier to carrier to try and evade federal drug and alcohol testing and reporting requirements.
The 77 commercial drivers have been put out of service, and will likely face a monetary fine, in addition to the possibility of having their commercial licenses revoked. In addition, the 84 commercial carriers face pending enforcement action for violations such as using a driver that has tested positive for illegal drugs and for not instituting a drug and alcohol testing program.
"Safety is the number one priority for the Department of Transportation," says U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "Violators of our drug and alcohol policies have no business driving a commercial vehicle."