As marijuana becomes legal in more states, the trucking industry faces new challenges and concerns about its impact on the workforce.
According to Truckers News, the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) published a survey to get feedback from truckers on the effect of marijuana legalization. This survey follows ATRI’s 2019 study that determined the usage of marijuana by truckers can impair their driving ability and increase their risk of accidents.
This new survey is a top priority by ATRI’s Research Advisory Committee. It is targeted at drivers, recruiters, and professionals with a knowledge of the transportation industry. The goal is to identify and address potential obstacles the legalization of marijuana can have on the industry.
According to Truckers News, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse reported that over 40,000 truckers tested positive for marijuana use last year. This was an increase of 32% compared to 2021. If a truck driver tests positive for marijuana or other drugs, they are not allowed to operate a vehicle, and they must complete a “return-to-work” program and pass a retest before they can drive again. Even though recreational marijuana usage is legal in 21 states, CDL holders are prohibited from it.
These are some topics of ATRI’s new survey:
- Are carriers worried about how legalizing marijuana will affect insurance rates?
- How should tests measure a driver’s usage of marijuana?
- How many truckers have tested positive in the last few years?
- How many truckers participated in the “return-to-work” process after testing positive?
ATRI’s survey is completely confidential and collecting responses until March 17. Click here for the survey.
See this map from Rolling Stone of where marijuana is legal in the United States:
View original article from Truckers News.
