The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is the body responsible for setting rules and regulations regarding drug and alcohol testing among commercial vehicle drivers. Whether its an 18-wheeler driver or semi-truck operator, or a company vehicle driven by an employee on the clock, there are strict drug and alcohol safety testing policies. It is zero-tolerance, meaning that commercial truck operators can never be under the influence of any illegal or prescription drugs or alcohol while operating a big rig or commercial vehicle. Unfortunately, too often innocent passenger vehicles are hit by drunk or high 18-wheeler drivers who can cause devastating truck accidents in Texas. If you or a loved one have been injured after a truck accident, contact a Austin truck accident attorney at The Patel Firm PLLC. Protect your rights-call now for an obligation free consultation with a qualified Austin accident attorney from The Patel Firm PLLC.
Substances prohibited by the federal motor carrier safety administration include:
- Cocaine
- Opiates
- PCP
- Amphetamines and methamphetamines
- Marijuana
Who needs to be tested?
The safety regulations require all commercial vehicle drivers or anyone carrying more than 16 passengers must be tested for drugs and alcohol.
When are these tests required?
- Trucking companies are required to test drivers for substance abuse before employment
- Whenever a truck driver is Involved in a trucking accident
- Whenever the driver exhibits signs of intoxication
- Random testing
What happens when a driver fails the test?
If a driver fails a drug or alcohol test, or refuses to take the test, that driver must not be allowed to operate a truck or any other commercial vehicle on a public roadway. After failing a drug or alcohol screening as a commercial truck driver, it is extremely difficult for that driver to get new work or a new job.
Contact a Corpus Christi truck accident lawyer in Texas today
If you or a loved one has been involved in a trucking accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Let us help you deal with insurance companies and their adjusters. At The Patel Firm PLLC, our trucking accident attorneys take great pride in skillfully representing you after your tractor-trailer accident. We are here to simplify the complexities and guide you through every step of the process. When you contact our office in Texas, our personal injury lawyers will quickly deploy investigators to preserve vital evidence and begin uncovering the facts to support your claim so you can receive fair compensation. Let’s discuss your options and find out how we can best help you. Call or contact an accident attorney in Austin at The Patel Firm PLLC for a free consultation now.
