The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced last Friday that 77 commercial bus and truck drivers are off the road and over 80 carriers face actions for enforcement as a result of FMCSA's first national drug and alcohol strike force. These actions are as a result of a FMCSA investigation from September 8-18, 2009 of safety records of commercial drivers including school bus drivers, interstate passenger carriers, hazardous material transporters, and general freight long-haul trucking companies.
Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood issued a public statement highlighting the number one priority of the Department of Transportation; safety. The strike force initiative has been used to target individuals and companies that violate the DOT's policies regarding drugs and alcohol.
The violators face civil fines and penalties. The drivers who face the civil penalties will no longer be allowed to operate commercial vehicles. The non-compliant carriers also face enforcement actions.
Hopefully the actions of the DOT will send a message through the trucking industry that these sorts of violations will not be tolerated. Additionally, hopefully drivers will think twice before they decide drive after consuming drugs or alcohol.
The official release can be found here.
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