Transportation companies put in a lot of time and effort to find the safest drivers and hire them. Yet, accidents will occur no matter how thorough background checks and training are.
When serious crashes involve DOT-regulated employees, the employer may be required to complete post-accident drug and alcohol testing. This is a DOT mandate that will determine when the driver can return to the road and when the company can resume normal operations.
Fleet Drug Testing will alert your company when a driver or other employee must take a post-accident drug and alcohol test. We also handle the aftermath of a scary accident to make sure DOT guidelines are followed.
Allow Fleet Drug to Help Your Company Stay DOT Compliant After an Accident
After a serious accident, companies will want to see to an employee’s wellbeing first. Then, it may be up to the company and the driver involved to make sure a post-accident drug and alcohol screening is completed.
There are guidelines for what type of accident requires post-accident testing, and Fleet Drug Testing walks our clients through each step to make sure federal regulations are followed. We also provide immediate drug and alcohol testing when it’s mandated. The results are fast and DOT reporting is completed as soon as possible. Fleet Drug Testing prioritizes resolving these steps, letting a company and a driver get back to business.
Fleet Drug Testing Can Answer Your Questions
Contact Fleet Drug Testing for a free consultation on your company’s needs. Find out how we can keep you DOT-compliant while letting you focus on running a successful transportation business. We provide affordable pre-employment drug testing, random drug testing, and post-accident drug testing for our clients.
Staying DOT Compliant After an Accident with Fleet Drug Testing
After a CDL driver is involved in an applicable accident involving a commercial motor vehicle, employers are expected to administer drug and alcohol tests for the surviving driver.
The Code of Federal Regulations 49 CFR 382.303(a) puts it like this:
“As soon as practicable following an occurrence involving a commercial motor vehicle operating on a public road in commerce, each employer shall test for alcohol for each of its surviving drivers.”
The code goes on to explain the same test requirement for controlled substances.
Companies have time limits to get these tests done. We will cover those time limits and go over the types of accidents that trigger these DOT requirements.
Remember: Without an existing partnership with a skilled DOT drug testing company, like Fleet Drug Testing, companies can risk missing important deadlines. Managers and staff can scramble when a crisis arises and, understandably, not know what to do next. Companies can easily make mistakes and soon face stiff fines and penalties.
Accidents that Require Post-Accident DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing
There are only three circumstances under which a post-accident drug and alcohol test MUST be conducted according to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA):
- A test is always required for a surviving driver when an accident involving a commercial motor vehicle results in death. The surviving CDL driver is tested after a fatal accident, even if the driver isn’t found at fault or cited in the accident.
- A test is required if the CDL driver receives a citation for a moving traffic violation AND a vehicle involved in the accident is towed from the scene of the accident;
- A test is required if the CDL driver receives a citation for a moving traffic violation AND one or more injured victims immediately receive medical treatment away from the scene of the accident.
In some instances, a breath or blood test used to determine alcohol use administered by law enforcement can meet the requirements of the employer. In some instances, a urine test administered by law enforcement to determine the use of a controlled substance satisfies the requirements of the employer.
As you can see, the guidelines get complex quickly. It’s a smart idea to let experienced drug testing professionals sort through these different restrictions and make sure you handle a fast-developing situation the right way. Speak with Fleet Drug Testing about your options.
Post-Accident DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing Time Limits
If a federal, state, or local law enforcement agency hasn’t issued an acceptable alcohol and drug test, it’ll be up to the professional driver’s company to quickly arrange testing. There are firm time limits in place for employers who use CDL drivers.
The FMCSA details these post-accident drug and alcohol testing guidelines for employers:
Alcohol Test: A test for alcohol use should be conducted within two hours of the applicable accident. If the alcohol test is not conducted within two hours, the employer should continue to make an effort to have the driver tested for up to eight hours and prepare and maintain, on file, a record of why the test was not administered.
Drug Test: A drug test should be administered within 32 hours of a qualifying accident. When a drug test is not conducted within 32 hours of the accident, the employer shall cease any attempt to administer a drug test and prepare and maintain, on file, a record stating the reasons why the test was not administered.
Transportation companies that fail to complete these tests and don’t have an acceptable reason will face fines. These fines can approach $10,000 or more. It’s critical you have an experienced drug-testing partner when an accident crisis arises to protect your company and your employees.
Contact Fleet Drug Testing to Find Out How to Be Ready for DOT Post-Accident Testing
Fleet Drug Testing offers complete coverage for companies who must comply with DOT regulations for post-accident drug and alcohol testing. Our professionals determine if an accident meets the requirements for testing. We then take quick action to get a CDL driver tested and cleared. We submit those results immediately so the matter is resolved quickly and your driver and your business are up and running as soon as possible.
Contact Fleet Drug Testing to hear more about our affordable drug testing and background screening services. We also answer your questions about the important steps to take after your driver has been in an accident. Getting started as soon as possible is the key to staying DOT-compliant and avoiding major disruption to your business.
