Nationally, the positivity rate for the combined U.S. workforce held steady at 4.2 percent in 2017, the same as in 2016, but a dramatic increase over the 3.5 percent positivity rate from 2012, which represented a thirty-year low. The analysis of 2017 data also suggests shifting patterns of drug use, with cocaine and amphetamines positivity surging in some areas of the country and marijuana positivity rising sharply in states with newer recreational use statutes. Prescription opiate positivity rates declined dramatically on a national basis. For an interactive map with positivity rates and trend lines by three-digit zip code in the United States, visit www.DTIDrugMap.com. The findings were unveiled today at the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Drug and Alcohol Program National Conference in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. 2018 marks thirty consecutive years of the Quest Diagnostics Drug Testing Index™ (DTI), an analysis of national workplace drug positivity trends based on the company’s de-identified laboratory data. The DTI has revealed insights into drug use in the United States since the Drug-Free Workplace Act was signed into law in 1988. In 1988, the DTI analysis found that the overall drug positivity rate among American workers was 13.6 percent. “It’s unfortunate that we mark 30 years of the Drug-Free Workplace Act with clear evidence that drugs continue to invade the country’s workplaces. Not only have declines appeared to have bottomed out, but also in some drug classes and areas of the country drug positivity rates are increasing,” said Barry Sample, PhD, senior director, science and technology, Quest Diagnostics. “These changing patterns and geographical variations may challenge the ability of employers to anticipate the ‘drug of choice’ for their workforce or where to best focus their drug prevention efforts to ensure a safe and healthy work environment.” Cocaine positivity increases overall, jumps sharply in some areas The positivity rate for cocaine increased for the fifth consecutive year in the general U.S. workforce across every specimen type. In urine testing, the most common drug test specimen type, the positivity rate for cocaine increased seven percent in the general U.S. workforce (0.28% in 2016 versus 0.30% in 2017). Year-over-year increases were also observed in the general U.S. workforce in oral fluid testing (up 16%) and hair testing (19%). In the federally-mandated, safety-sensitive workforce, for which only urine testing is permitted, cocaine positivity increased by eleven percent (0.28% in 2016 versus 0.31% percent in 2017), representing the third consecutive year of increases in this workforce segment. A new pattern emerged in this year’s analysis, with cocaine positivity in urine testing increasing significantly in certain states among the general U.S. workforce. Double-digit year-over-year increases in at least four of the five past years were seen in the states of Nebraska (91% increase between 2016 and 2017), Idaho (88% increase), Washington (31%), Nevada (25%), Maryland (22% increase), and Wisconsin (13%). Methamphetamine positivity skyrockets in Midwest and South regions An analysis of trends in the general U.S. workforce based on the four U.S. Census regions identified large increases of methamphetamine positivity rates. Between 2013 and 2017, methamphetamine positivity increased: 167 percent in the East North Central division of the Midwest (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin);160 percent in the East South Central division of the South (Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee); 150 percent in the Middle Atlantic division of the Northeast (New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania); and 140 percent in the South Atlantic division of the South (Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia). The percentage increase in these four divisions ranged between nine percent and 25 percent between 2016 and 2017. “Thirty years in, this year’s results again demonstrate the ever-evolving threat that substance abuse poses to workplace safety. With the prescription opiate crisis filling the headlines, the significant drop in opiate positivity is a promising sign,” said Matt Nieman, General Counsel, Institute for a Drug-Free Workplace and Principal, Jackson Lewis P.C. “Yet, the ten-year high in positivity rates—spurred by nationwide surges in cocaine and methamphetamine positivity as well as double-digit marijuana spikes in states with newly implemented recreational laws—serves as a stark warning that efforts to prevent substance abuse in the workplace are as important today as ever.” Prescription opiates continue decline in workforce testing data “The depth of our large-scale analysis supports the possibility that efforts by policymakers, employers, and the medical community to decrease the availability of opioid prescriptions and curtail the opioid crisis is working to reduce their use, at least among the working public,” said Kim Samano, PhD scientific director, Quest Diagnostics. Nationally, the positivity rate for opiates in the general U.S. workforce in urine drug testing declined 17 percent between 2016 and 2017 (0.47% versus 0.39%). More notably, oxycodones (oxycodone and/or oxymorphone) positivity declined 12 percent between 2016 and 2017 (0.69% vs. 0.61%), hydrocodone positivity declined 17 percent (0.81% vs. 0.67%); and hydromorphone positivity declined 22% (0.59% vs. 0.46%). Opiates other than codeine were at their lowest positivity rate in more than a decade. The company’s workforce drug testing services generally test for drugs and metabolites associated with prescription opiates and semi-synthetic opiates. They do not typically test for synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl and its synthetic analogs. Prescription opiate testing for the federally-mandated, safety-sensitive workforce has not been required until recently. Such testing was implemented in October 2017 for certain U.S. government employees. Preliminary data in the fourth quarter of 2017 from the testing of these workers indicates a positivity rate slightly higher than for the opiate group prior to these new regulations which only included codeine and morphine. Prescription opiate testing for safety-sensitive transportation workers covered under U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) rules went into effect in January 2018. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the overall national opioid prescribing rate in 2017 fell to the lowest it had been in more than 10 years, though rates vary by state and are high in some areas of the country.i Urine drug test results for heroin, indicated by the presence of the 6-acetylmorphine (6-AM) metabolite, also
DOT COVID-19 Drug & Alcohol Testing Statement of Enforcement Discretion for SAP
On March 23, 2020, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance (ODAPC) provided guidance about the impact of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health emergency on DOT drug and alcohol testing requirements for employers, employees, and service agents. On April 4, 2020, ODAPC provided supplemental information specific to performing remote evaluations by Substance Abuse Professionals (SAP) and the re-qualification timelines for collectors, Medical Review Officers (MRO), Screening Test Technicians (STT) and Breath Alcohol Technicians (BAT), and SAPs. As published on April 4, 2020, this statement was effective through June 30, 2020. On June 17, 2020 the guidance was extended to September 30, 2020, on September 22, 2020 to December 31, 2020, and on December 9, 2020 to June 30, 2021. As of May 27, 2021, ODAPC has extended the statement and it continues to be effective through December 31, 2021. SAP Assessments and Evaluations Under 49 CFR §§ 40. 291, 40.293, and 40.301, the SAP must conduct a face-to-face assessment and evaluation of an employee who has violated DOT drug and alcohol regulations. DOT has always maintained that the “face-to-face” assessment and evaluation must be done “in person” and is essential to the SAP process. ODAPC recognizes that conducting face-to-face assessments and evaluations during the COVID-19 public health emergency may not be possible or advisable for certain individuals. ODAPC will allow SAPs to conduct a remote “face-to-face” evaluation and assessment while this policy is in effect. The flexibility to conduct remote assessments and evaluations is voluntary, and SAPs may continue to conduct in-person face-to-face assessments and evaluations as appropriate. ODAPC recommends that, when a SAP conducts assessments and evaluations remotely, the format of the assessment be documented in the final report for reference. ODAPC realizes that performing evaluations remotely may not provide as much information to the SAP as a face-to-face evaluation would, but believes remote evaluations are preferable to not performing the evaluations at all. While ODAPC will not prescribe the exact manner in which the remote evaluations should be conducted, SAPs who choose to conduct initial assessments and evaluations and follow up evaluations remotely should consider the following parameters: ODAPC will not consider an evaluation or assessment performed remotely as an act of serious non-compliance for purposes of starting a public interest exclusion proceeding against the service agent while this statement of enforcement discretion is in effect. Re-qualification Timelines for Certain Service Agents Under 49 CFR §§ 40.33(e), 40.121(d), 40.213(e), and 40.281(d), collectors, MROs, STT/BATs, and SAPs are required to maintain their DOT required qualifications to continue to act as service agents in the DOT drug and alcohol testing program. Specifically, collectors and STT/BATs must complete refresher training every five years, MROs must complete requalification training every five years, and SAPs must complete 12 professional development hours every three years. DOT realizes that during the COVID-19 public health emergency, these service agents may find it difficult to find the necessary resources (e.g., exam location or personnel to conduct mock collections, etc.) to meet their re-qualification requirements. If a service agent is unable to meet their re-qualification due date while this statement of enforcement discretion is in effect, DOT will not consider it a non-compliance for purposes of starting a public interest exclusion proceeding against the service agent. DOT is providing this flexibility for service agents who cannot meet their re-qualification requirements by their respective due dates due to restrictions imposed by Federal, State and local authorities, and health agencies related to the COVID-19 public health emergency (e.g., facility closures, State or locally imposed quarantine requirements, or other impediments). DOT will consider these service agents qualified per Part 40 to continue providing the Part 40 required services while this policy is in effect.
Our Roads, Our Safety
Road safety is everyone’s responsibility—passenger vehicle drivers, truck drivers, bus drivers, bicyclists, motorcyclists, and even pedestrians. When traveling on our roads, we must all remember that we all have different safety challenges. Blind spots, long stopping distances, and wide turns are just a few of those challenges to remember. Be a part of our plan to share the road safely. Tips for Trucking and Bus Drivers Even the most well-trained, safety-conscious truck and bus drivers are at risk of engaging in driving behaviors that could lead to a crash on today’s crowded highways. Simple actions by large truck and bus drivers can help keep everyone safe on our roads. Follow these nine rules of the road. 1. Defense! Defense! Commercial drivers have to be constantly vigilant to detect unexpected road conditions, distracted drivers, and motorists who don’t understand how commercial vehicles operate. Scan ahead about 15 seconds (a quarter mile on interstates, or one to two blocks in cities) for traffic issues, work zones, and other dangers. Check mirrors every 8-10 seconds to be aware of vehicles entering your blind spots. 2. Signal for Safety Signal and brake to give other drivers plenty of time to notice your intent. If you must pull off the road, use flashers, reflective triangles, and road flares to alert approaching drivers. 3. Know When to Slow Driving too fast for weather or road conditions or failing to slow down for curves or ramps creates risks for spills and rollovers, as well as crashes. 4. Maintain Your Vehicle Make sure that pre-trip safety inspections are completed particularly for tires and brakes. Your life depends on them. Make sure your load is well-balanced and secure, as a shifting load can cause a rollover or loss of control. Loose materials create road hazards. 5. Buckle Up Use your safety belt every time. Safety belts save lives, reduce injuries, and allow drivers to stay inside and in control of their vehicles in case of a crash. In 2014, 30% of truck drivers involved in fatal crashes were partially or totally ejected from their vehicles. 6. Stay Sharp Get enough rest; don’t drive when you’re fatigued, too ill to focus, or on medications (including over-the-counter medicine) that make you drowsy or dizzy. 7. Get the Right Trip Planning Info Stay up to date on weather and road conditions, detours, and mountainous routes in order to plan driving time. Be aware that non-commercial navigation systems and apps may not provide warning of height and weight limitations and other commercial vehicle restrictions. 8. Practice Work Zone Safety Work zones present many hazards, like lane shifts, sudden stops, uneven road surfaces, moving workers and equipment, and confused passenger vehicle drivers. In 2016, 27% of fatal work zone crashes involved at least one large truck compared to only 11% of all fatal crashes – so it’s vital to take work zone safety seriously. Slow down, maintain extra following space, and to be prepared to stop. Obey all work zone signs and signals. Scan ahead for changing traffic patterns, and be alert to vehicles entering your blind spots. Keep a sharp eye out for road workers and flag crews. 9. Never Drive Distracted Texting is among the worst driving distractions. The odds of being involved in a crash, near-crash, or unintentional lane deviation are 23.2 times greater for truck and bus drivers who are texting while driving. Research shows that drivers texting while driving took their eyes off the forward road for 4.6 seconds on average. At 55 mph, this equates to traveling 371 feet (more than the length of a football field) without looking at the road. It is illegal for a commercial driver to text while driving, and there are restrictions on using mobile phones (devices must be hands free, and dialed using no more than one button). Eating, drinking, interacting with a navigational device, map reading, controlling a pet, or any other activity that takes focus off the road can also be a deadly distraction. If you must attend to an activity other than driving, get off at the next exit or pullover – it’s not worth the risk.
Autonomous Trucking Is Likely For The Future Of America
Alphabet is a tech company that owns Waymo. And if you haven’t already known before, you can tell that they are opening an autonomous-friendly facility. It is that which will accommodate many trucks at once. Waymo is planning on growing presence along many major interstates as they spread the Autonomous trucks throughout the area. There are already so many carrier partners that are using the space for new technology. Meanwhile the company continues to go towards fully self-reliant service. Ryder System has also been focusing on autonomous fleet management services. This being as far as improving maintenance, roadside assistance and inspections for their trucking logistics. Additionally, there have already been sites rampant for the benefit of self-driving trucks throughout the city. Karen Jones, chief marketing officer at Ryder has herself mentioned that “we see many opportunities to collaborate on autonomous trucking operations in order to successfully deploy these trucks at scale.” Autonomous trucking takes a while to really organize but the chances of seeing good trucking hit the streets are becoming more evident everyday. Many real-life truckers are getting a little more scared of the mere possibility that autonomous trucking will be the future. The revolution is not that much further away. There will be cameras and sensors all around the truck cab to make sure that the empty seated trucks are still operational. The Big Companies like UPS and USPS as well as Amazon are shipping with full intention to be the best service. Autonomous trucking is threatening to change an $800 billion industry. 600,000 teamsters are likely going to be sad with losing their jobs.
FMCSA Declares New York Truck Driver to be an Imminent Hazard
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has declared New York-licensed commercial driver Bobir M. Kholmurodov to be an imminent hazard to public safety and has ordered him not to operate any commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in interstate commerce. Kholmurodov was served the federal order on September 21, 2021. On August 4, 2021, at approximately 11:18 a.m., Kholmurodov, a commercial driver’s license (CDL) holder, was operating a tractor-trailer in Courtland Township, Kent County, Michigan, when he failed to stop at a red light, colliding into another vehicle. Kholmurodov left the scene of the crash, but later was located and taken into custody in adjoining Montcalm County by the Michigan State Police. At approximately 4:54 p.m., a blood alcohol test administered by the Michigan State Police revealed Kholmurodov possessed a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.17. Possessing an alcohol concentration of greater than 0.04 while operating a commercial vehicle weighing more than 26,001 pounds and requiring a commercial driver’s license (CDL) is a violation of federal safety regulations. During the subsequent inspection of Kholmurodov truck, Michigan State Police officers discovered opened beer containers and liquor bottles in the cab. Kholmurodov has been charged by the State of Michigan with: Operating While Intoxicated-second offense; Failure to Stop and Identify After Collision; and, Alcohol-Open Container in Vehicle. FMCSA’s imminent hazard out-of-service order states that Kholmurodov’s “…. blatant disregard for the safety of the motoring public … substantially increases the likelihood of serious injury or death to you and motoring public if not discontinued immediately.” Failing to comply with the provisions of the federal imminent hazard order may result in civil penalties of up to $1,951 for each violation. Knowing and/or willful violations may result in criminal penalties. Kholmurodov may not operate a commercial motor vehicle until such time as he successfully completes the statutorily required return-to-duty process overseen by a Substance Abuse Professional.
Federal Transit Administration Announces Request for Information on Transit Worker Safety
WASHINGTON – As part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to help ensure the safety of American workers, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is seeking the input of transit industry personnel, researchers, contractors, government entities, transit users, and other interested parties to make American transit safer for millions of frontline staff. FTA has announced a Request for Information (RFI) soliciting public input on potential transit worker safety mitigations, including potential minimum safety standards for Roadway Worker Protection programs and operator assault prevention. “Safety is paramount in the transit industry, and the Biden-Harris administration is committed to ensuring we are doing everything we can to ensure approaches for the workers who make our transit systems possible,” said FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez. FTA expanded its safety oversight capabilities in 2019, when it established an internal Safety Risk Management (SRM) process to identify, assess, mitigate, and monitor safety concerns affecting the transit industry. The SRM process helps FTA determine effective and appropriate risk mitigations, such as technical assistance or regulatory responses, to support transit agencies in cultivating safer environments for their workers and riders. FTA is calling on transit agencies and everyone interested in transit to review the RFI and provide input.
Quality Control Review of an Independent Auditor’s Report on the Surface Rules
What We Looked At The Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2014 (FISMA) requires agencies to implement information security programs. FISMA also requires agencies to have annual independent evaluations performed to determine the effectiveness of their programs and report the results of these reviews to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). To meet this requirement, the Surface Transportation Board (STB) requested that we perform its fiscal year 2021 FISMA review. We contracted with Williams Adley & Company-DC LLP (Williams Adley), an independent public accounting firm, to conduct this audit subject to our oversight. The audit objective was to determine the effectiveness of STB’s information security program and practices in five function areas—Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover. What We Found We performed a quality control review (QCR) of Williams Adley’s report and related documentation. Our QCR disclosed no instances in which Williams Adley did not comply, in all material respects, with generally accepted Government auditing standards. Check on the PDF for Guidelines set by FMCSA
FMCSA Removes Two Devices from List of Registered Electronic Devices
ASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has removed FALCON ELD and KSK ELD from the list of registered Electronic Logging Devices (ELD). FMCSA has placed these ELDs on the Revoked Devices list due to the providers’ failure to meet the minimum requirements established in 49 CFR part 395, subpart B, appendix A, effective September 14, 2023. FMCSA will send an industry email to inform motor carriers that all who use these revoked ELDs must take the following steps: Motor carriers have up to 60 days to replace the revoked ELDs with compliant ELDs. If the ELD providers correct all identified deficiencies, FMCSA will place the ELDs back on the list of registered devices and inform the industry and the field. During this time, safety officials are encouraged not to cite drivers using the revoked ELDs for 395.8(a)(1) – “No record of duty status” or 395.22(a) – “Failing to use a registered ELD.” During this time, safety officials should request the driver’s paper logs, logging software, or use the ELD display as a back-up method to review the hours of service data. Beginning November 13, 2023, motor carriers who continue to use the revoked devices listed above will be considered to be operating without an ELD. Safety officials who encounter a driver using a revoked device on or after November 13, 2023 should cite 395.8(a)(1), and place the driver out-of-service (OOS) in accordance with the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) OOS Criteria. FMCSA strongly encourages motor carriers to take the actions listed above now to avoid compliance issues in the event that the deficiencies are not addressed in time. ### The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) mission is to prevent crashes, fatalities, and injuries involving commercial trucks and buses. FMCSA develops safety and regulatory standards for commercial driver’s licenses; analyzes data; sponsors research; and promotes enforcement and education. FMCSA partners with nonprofit organizations, local and State governments, and other stakeholders to support innovative commercial driver training, safety inspections, and enhanced compliance and enforcement initiatives.