ARLINGTON, Va. – Thursday, American Trucking Associations applauded Rep. Reid Ribble (R-Wisc.) for his introduction of a bill requiring the U.S. Department of Transportation to conduct a pilot program to evaluate the use of hair samples to test commercial drivers for illicit drug use.
“For many years, ATA has supported improving drug and alcohol testing procedures for commercial drivers,” ATA President and CEO Bill Graves said. “From advocating for the first drug and alcohol test standards, to pushing for the creation of a clearinghouse of drug and alcohol test results, to ensure fleets are hiring only safe, clean drivers, ATA has been at the front of the process improvement line.”
“Hair testing, which research and experience shows can be much more effective than current, conventional sampling and testing methods, is the next logical step in this process and we thank Congressman Ribble for introducing this important legislation. ATA also thanks Rep. Chuck Fleischmann (R-Tenn.) for signing on as an original cosponsor.”
“No fleet wants to put the safety of the public at risk by putting an impaired driver behind the wheel of one of its trucks,” said ATA Chairman Mike Card, president of Combined Transport, Central Point, Ore. “More effective drug testing procedures can help us make sure that doesn’t happen. ATA invites the U.S. Department of Transportation to join it in supporting this approach to improving the regulated testing program.”
