A group of senators have introduced a legislation that aims to reduce the number of truck drivers out there operating 18-wheelers under the influence of drugs.  While current federal laws prohibit drivers from operating tractor-trailers under the influence of drugs, there are many loopholes in the current laws that allow such drivers to slip through the cracks.

The legislation called the Safe Roads Act would create a database that includes positive commercial truck driver drug test results.  The database would include information from around the country, and would be available to trucking companies.  These companies will be able to scan the records on the database before they hire a driver.  Trucking companies, medical officers and service agents will be required to submit positive drug test results into the database, ensuring that the database is updated frequently and accurately.

Current laws require employers to verify a driver’s drug use history before hiring him.  Unfortunately, as a Houston truck accident lawyer, I very often find that employers fail to perform a complete verification check before they hire drivers.  Drivers are also required to submit their drug use history to potential employers.  Needless to say, many drivers don’t bother to do.  I have always felt that these laws have too many loopholes that allow drivers with a history of drug use to slip through the system.

A truck driver’s risk of being involved in an accident increases dramatically when he is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.  This legislation would make important drug test result information available to employers around the country, thereby reducing the numbers of drugged drivers operating tractor-trailers.

Vuk Vujasinovic is a Board Certified Houston personal injury attorney who practices Houston auto accident and other personal injury cases.

For more info on how Vuk can help you with your potential case please call him at (877) 724-7800 or fill out the contact form on the right.

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